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PKEFACE.
In this translation of the Odyssey I have had the
following aims : —
To give to the thought of Homer a more direct and
simple expression than has hitherto been judged ad-
missible ; to be at once minutely faithful to the Greek
original and to keep out of sight the fact that either
an original or a translator exists ; to present especially
the objective, unreflective, realistic, and non-literary
features of the primitive story ; to report in all their
delicacy the events which Homer reports, to exhibit
his attitude of mind toward them, and to produce
again the impression produced by him that things
did happen just so ; in the wording, to discard origi-
nality and to make free use of the fortunate phrases
of preceding translators ; but to employ persistently
the veracious language, the language of prose, rather
than the dream language, the language of poetry;
and still to confess that the story, unlike a bare record
of fact, is throughout, like poetry, illuminated with an
underglow of joy ; to mark gently this permeating joy
by a simple rhythm, a rhythm so unobtrusive and so
free from systematic arrangement that no one need
vi PREFACE.
turn from the matter to mark the movement ; aboVe
all, to discharge a debt of gratitude to the great
friend who for twenty-five years has been showing me
the beauty of himself and of the world ; and finally,
to make it plain that I cannot attain these aims, and
to commend them to others as alluring and impos-
sible.
Casibridgb, February 21, 1891.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
I. The Council of the Gods and the Summons to
Telemachus 1
II. The Assembly at Ithaca and the Departure of
Telemachus 15
III. At Pylos 29
IV. At Lacedaemon 45
V. The Raft of Odysseus 72
VI. The Landing in Phaeacia 88
VII. The Welcome of Alcinous 99
VIII. The Stay in Phaeacia 110
IX. The Story told to Alcinous. — The Cyclops . 129
X. Aeolus, the Laestrygonians, and Circe . . 147
XI. The Land of the Dead 165
XII. The Sirens, Scylla, Charybdis, and the Kine of
the Sun 185
XIII. From Phaeacia to Ithaca 199
XIV. The Stay with Eumaeus 213
XV. Telemachus and Eumaeus 230
XVI. The Recognition by Telemachus .... 248
XVII. The Return of Telemachus to Ithaca . . 263
XVIII. The Fight of Odysseus and Irus . . . 282
XIX. The Meeting with Penelope and the Recogni-
tion by Eurycleia 296
XX. Before the Slapghter 315
XXI. The Trial of the Bow 328
XXII. The Slaughter of the Suitors .... 342
XXIII. The Recognition by Penelope 358
XXIV. Peace 370
THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER.
THE COUNCIL OF THE GODS AND THE SUMMONS TO
TELEMACHUS.
Speak to me, Muse, of the adventurous man who
wandered long after he sacked the sacred citadel of
Troy. Many the men whose towns he saw, whose
ways he proved ; and many a pang he bore in his own
breast at sea while struggling for his life and his men's
safe return. Yet even so, by all his zeal, he did not
save his men ; for through their own perversity they
perished — fools ! who devoured the kine of the ex-
alted Sun. Wherefore he took away the day of their
return. Of this, Ο goddess, daughter of Zeus, begin-
ning where thou wilt, speak to us also.
Now all the others who were saved from utter ruin
were at home, safe both from war and sea. Him only,
longing for his home and wife, the potent nymph Ca-
lypso, a heavenly goddess, held in her hollow grotto,
desiring him to be her husband. Nay, when the time
had come in the revolving years at which the gods
ordained his going home to Ithaca, even then, among
his kin, he was not freed from trouble. Yet the gods
felt compassion, all save Poseidon, who steadily strove
with godlike Odysseus till he reached his land.
2 THE ODYSSEY. [1.22-54.
But Poseidon now was with tlie far-off Ethiopians,
the remotest of mankind, who form two tribes, one
at the setting of the Exalted one, one at his rising ;
awaiting there a sacrifice of bulls and rams. So sit-
ting at the feast he took his pleasure. The other
gods, meanwhile, were gathered in the halls of Zeus
upon Olympus, and thus began the father of men and
gods ; for in his mind he mused of gentle Aegisthus,
whom Agamemnon's far-famed son, Orestes, slew.
Mindful of him, he thus addressed the immortals :
" Lo, how men blame the gods ! From us, they
say, spring troubles. But through their own perver-
sity, and more than is their due, they meet with sor-
row ; even as now Aegisthus, pressing beyond his due,
married the lawful wife of the son of Atreus and slew
her husband on his coming home. Yet he well knew
his own impending ruin ; for we ourselves forewarned
him, dispatching Hermes, our clear-sighted Speedy-
comer, and told him not to slay the man nor woo the
wife. ' For because of the son of Atreus shall come
vengeance from Orestes when he is grown and longs
for his own land.' This Hermes said, but did not
turn the purpose of Aegisthus by his kindness. And
now Aegisthus makes atonement for it alio"
Then answered him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Our father, son of Kronos, most high above all
rulers, that man assuredly lies in befitting ruin. So
perish all who do such deeds ! Yet is my heart dis-
tressed for wise Odysseus, hapless man, who, long cut
off from friends, is meeting hardship upon a sea-girt
island, the navel of the sea. Woody the island is,
and there a goddess dwells, daughter of wizard Atlas
who knows the depths of every sea and through his
power holds the tall pillars which keep earth and sky
1.55-87.] THE ODYSSEY. 3
asunder. It is his daughter who detains this hapless,
sorrowing man, ever with tender and insistent words
enticing to forgetfulness of Ithaca. And stiU Odys-
seus, through longing but to see the smoke spring
from his land, desires to die. Nevertheless, your heart
turns not, Olympian one. Did not Odysseus seek your
favor beside the Argive ships and offer sacrifice upon
the plain of Troy? Why then are you so wroth
against him, Zeus ? "
Then answered her cloud-gathering Zeus, and said :
" My child, what word has passed the barrier of your
teeth? How could I possibly forget princely Odys-
seus, who is beyond all mortal men in wisdom, beyond
them too in giving honor to the immortal gods, who
hold the open sky? Nay, but Poseidon, the girder
of the land, is ceaselessly enraged because Odysseus
blinded of his eye the Cyclops, god-like Polyphemus,
who of all Cyclops has the greatest power. A nymph,
Thoosa, bore him, daughter of Phorcys, lord of the
barren sea, for she within the hollow caves united
with Poseidon. And since that day the earth-shaking
Poseidon does not indeed destroy Odysseus, but ever
drives him wandering from his land. Come then, let
us all here plan for his turning home. So shall Posei-
don lay by his anger, unable, in defiance of us all, to
strive with the immortal gods alone."
Then answered him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Our father, son of Kronos, most high above aU
rulers, if it now please the blessed gods that wise
Odysseus shall return to his own home, let us send
Hermes forth — the Guide, the Speedy-comer — into
the island of Ogygia, straightway to tell the fair-
haired nymph our steadfast purpose, that hardy Odys-
seus shall set forth upon his homeward way. I in
4 TEE ODYSSEY. [1.88-119.
the mean while go to Ithaca, to rouse his son yet
more and to put vigor in his breast ; that, summon-
ing to an assembly the long-haired Achaeans, he may
denounce the troop of suitors, men who continually
butcher his thronging flocks and swing-paced, crook-
horned oxen. And I will send him to Sparta and to
sandy Pylos, to try to learn of his dear father's com-
ing, and so to win a good report among mankind."
Saying this, under her feet she bound her beautiful
sandals, immortal, made of gold, which carry her over
the flood and over the boundless land swift as a breath
of wind. She took her ponderous spear, tipped with
sharp bronze, thick, long, and strong, with which she
vanquishes the ranks of men, — of heroes, even, —
when this daughter of a mighty sire is roused against
them. Then she went dashing down the ridges of
Olympus and in the land of Ithaca stood at Odysseus'
gate, on the threshold of his court. Holding in
hand a brazen spear, she seemed the stranger Mentes,
the Taphian leader. Here then she found the haughty
suitors. They were amusing themselves with games
of draughts before the palace door, seated on hides of
oxen which they themselves had slain. Their pages
and busy squires were near ; some mixing wine and
water in the bowls, others with porous sponges wash-
ing and laying tables, while others still carved them
abundant meat.
By far the first to see Athene was princely Telema-
chus. For he was sitting with the suitors, sad at heart,
picturing in mind his noble father, — how he might
come from somewhere, make a scattering of the suitors,
take to himself his honors, and be master of his own.
Thus thinking while he sat among the suitors, Athene
met his eye. Straight to the door he went, being at
I. 120-151.] THE ODYSSEY. 5
heart ashamed to have a stranger stand so long before
his gate. So drawing near and grasping her right
hand, he took her brazen spear, and speaking in winged
words he said : " Hail, stranger, here with us you
shall be welcome ; and by and by when you have tasted
food, you shall make known your needs."
Saying this, he led the way, and Pallas Athene fol=
lowed. When they were come within the lofty hall,
he carried the spear to a tall pillar and set it in a
well-worn rack, where also stood many a spear of hardy
Odysseus. Athene herself he led to a chair and seated,
spreading a linen cloth below. Good was the chair
and richly wrought ; upon its lower part there was a
rest for feet. Beside it, for himself, he set a sumptu-
ous seat apart from all the suitors, for fear the stran-
ger, meeting rude men and worried by their din,
might lose his taste for food ; and then that he might
ask him, too, about his absent father. Now water for
the hands a servant brought in a beautiful pitcher
made of gold, and poured it out over a silver basin
for their washing, and spread a polished table by their
side. And the grave housekeeper brought bread and
placed before them, setting out food of many a kind,
freely giving of her store. The carver, too, took plat-
ters of meat, and placed before them, meat of all
kinds, and set their golden goblets ready; while a
page, pouring wine, passed to and fro between them.
And now the haughty suitors entered. These soon
took seats in order, on couches and on chairs. Pages
poured water on their hands, maids heaped them bread
in baskets, and young men brimmed the bowls with
drink; and on the food spread out before them
they laid hands. So after they had stayed desire for
drink and food, then in their thoughts they turned to
6 THE ODYSSEY. [1.152-185.
other things, the song and dance ; for these attend a
feast. A page jjut a beautiful harp into the hands of
Phemius, who sang perforce among the suitors ; and
touching the harp, he raised his voice and sang a beau-
tiful song. Then said Telemachus to clear-eyed Athene,
his head bent close, that others might not hear :
" Good stranger, will you feel offense at what I say ?
These things are all their care, — the harp and song,
— an easy care when, making no amends, they eat the
substance of a man whose white bones now are rotting
in the rain, if lying on the land, or in the sea the
waters roll them round. Yet were they once to see
him coming home to Ithaca, they all would pray rather
for speed of foot than stores of gold and clothing.
But he, instead, by some hard fate is gone, and naught
remains to us of comfort — no, not if any man on
earth shall say he still will come. Passed is his day of
coming. But now declare me this and plainly tell, who
are you ? Of what people ? Where is your town and
kindred? On what ship did you come? And how
did sailors bring you to Ithaca ? Whom did they call
themselves ? For I am sure you did not come on foot.
And teU me truly this, that I may know full weU if
for the first time now you visit here, or are you my
father's friend? For many foreigners once sought
our home ; because Odysseus also was a rover among
men."
Then said to him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Well, I will very plainly tell you all : Mentes I call
myself, the son of wise Anchialus, and I am lord of the
oar-loving Taphians. Even now I put in here, with
ship and crew, when sailing over the wine-dark sea to
men of a strange speech, to Temese, for bronze. I
carry glittering iron. Here my ship lies, just off the
I. 186-220.] THE ODYSSEY. 7
fields outside the toΛvn, within the bay of Reithron
under woody Nei'on. Hereditary friends we count
ourselves from early days, as you may learn if you
will go and ask old lord Laertes, who, people say,
comes to the town no more, but far out in the coun-
try suffers hardship, an aged woman his attendant,
who supplies him food and drink whenever weariness
weighs down his knees, as he creeps about his slope of
garden ground. Even now I came, for I was told
your father was at home. But, as I see, the gods de-
lay his journey ; for surely nowhere yet on earth has
royal Odysseus died ; living, he lingers somewhere still
on the wide sea, upon some sea-girt island, and cruel
men constrain him — some savage folk, who hold him
there against his will. Nay, I will prophesy such
things as the immortals bring to mind, things which
I think will happen ; although I am no prophet and
have no skill in birds. Not long shall he be absent
from his own dear land, though iron fetters bind him.
Some means he will devise to come away ; for many a
shift has he. But now, declare me this and plainly
tell, if you indeed — so tall — are the true son of
Odysseus. In head and beautiful eyes you surely are
much like him. So often we were tooether before he
ο
embarked for Troy, where others too, the bravest of
the Argives, went in their hollow ships. But since
that day I have not seen Odysseus, nor he me."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " Yes,
stranger, I will plainly tell you all. My mother says
I am his child ; I myself do not know ; for no one
ever yet knew his own parentage. Yet would I were
the son of some blest man on whom old age had come
amongst his own possessions. But now, the man born
most ill-fated of all human kind — of him they say I
come, since this you ask me."
8 THE ODYSSEY. [1.221-252.
Then said to him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
*' Surely the gods meant that your house should not
lack future fame, when to such son as you Penelope
gave birth. Nevertheless declare me this and truly
tell, what is the feast ? What company is this ?
And what is your part here ? Some drinking bout or
wedding? It surely is no festival at common cost.
So rude they seem, and wanton, feasting about the
hall. A man of sense must be indignant who comes
and sees such outrage."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : "• Stran-
ger, — since now you ask of this and question me, —
in former days this house bade fair to be wealthy
and esteemed, so long as he was here ; but the hard-
purposed gods then changed their minds and shut him
from our knowledge more than all men beside. For
were he dead, I should not feel such grief, if he had
fallen among comrades in the Trojan land, or in the
arms of friends when the skein of war was wound.
Then would the whole Achaean host have made his
grave, and for his son in after days a great name had
been gained. Now, silently the robber winds have
swept him off. Gone is he, past all sight and hear-
ing, and sighs and sorrows he has left to me. Yet
now I do not grieve and mourn for him alone ; be-
cause the gods have brought me other sore distress.
For all the nobles who bear sway among the islands,
— Doulichion, Same, and woody Zacynthos, — and
they who have the power in rocky Ithaca, all woo my
mother and despoil my home. She neither declines
the hated suit nor has she power to end it; while
they with feasting impoverish my home and soon
will bring me also to destruction."
Stirred into anger, Pallas Athene spoke : " Alas !
1.253-288.] THE ODYSSEY. 9
in very truth you greatly need absent Odysseus, to lay
hands on the shameless suitors. What if he came
even now and here before his house stood at the outer
gate, with helmet, shield, and his two spears, — even
such as when I saw him first at my own home, drink-
ing and making merry, on his return from Ephyra,
from Ilus, son of Mermerus. For thither on his swift
ship went Odysseus, seeking a deadly drug in which
to dip his brazen arrows. And Ilus did not give it,
for he feared the immortal gods; my father, however,
gave it, for he held him strangely dear. If as he
was that day Odysseus now might meet the suitors,
they all would find quick turns of fate and bitter rites
of marriage. Still, in the gods' lap it lies to say if
he shall come and wreak revenge within his halls;
but yours it is to plan to thrust the suitors from your
door. Give me your ear and heed my words. To-
morrow, summoning to an assembly the Achaean
lords, announce your will to all and call the gods to
witness ! Bid the suitors all disperse, each to his
own. And for your mother, if her heart inclines to
marriage, let her return to her strong father's hall.
They there shall make the wedding and provide the
many gifts which should accompany a well-loved
child. Then for yourself I offer sound advice, if
you will hearken. Man the best ship you have
with twenty oarsmen, and go and gather tidings of
your long-absent father. Perhaps some man may tell
you, or you may catch a rumor sent from Zeus,
which oftenest carries tidings. First go to Pylos, and
question royal Nestor. Then on to Sparta, to light-
haired Menelaus ; for he came last of all the mailed
Achaeans. And if you hear your father is alive
and coming home, then, worn as you are, you might
10 THE ODYSSEY. [1.289-320.
endure for one year more. But if you hear tliat he
is dead, — no longer with the living — you shall at
once return to your own native land, and pile his
mound and pay the funeral rites, full many, as are
due, and you shall give your mother to a husband.
Moreover, after you have ended this and finished all,
within your mind and heart consider next how you
may slay the suitors in your halls, whether by strata-
gem or open force. You must not hold to childish
ways, because you are no longer now the child you
were. Have you not heard what fame royal Orestes
gained with all mankind, because he slew the slayer,
wily Aegisthus, who bad slain his famous father ?
You too, my friend, — for certainly I find you fair
and tall, — be strong, that men hereafter born may
speak your praise. Now I will go to my swift ship
and to my comrades, who greatly chafe at waiting.
Rely upon yourself. Heed what I say."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " Stran-
ger, in this you speak with kindness, exen as a father
to a son. Never shall I forget it. But tarry now,
though eager for your journey. Bathe, and refresh
your soul ; then glad at heart turn to your ship, bear-
ing a gift of value, very beautiful, to be to you a keep-
sake from myself, even such a thing as dear friends
give to friends."
Then answered him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
"Do not detain me longer now, when I am anx-
ious for my journey. And any gift your heart may
bid you give, give when I come again, for me to carry
home. Choose one exceeding beautiful; it shall be
matched in the exchange."
Saying this, clear-eyed Athene passed away, even
as a bird — a sea-hawk — takes its flight. Into his
1.321-352.] THE ODYSSEY. 11
heart she had brought strength and courage, turning
his thoughts upon his father more even than before.
As he marked this in his mind, an awe came on his
heart ; he knew a god was with him. Straightway he
sought the suitors, godlike himself.
To them the famous bard was singing, while they
in silence sat and listened. He sang of the return of
the Achaeans, the sad return, which Pallas Athene had
appointed them on leaving Troy.
Now from her upper chamber, there heard this won-
drous song the daughter of Icarius, heedful Penelope,
and she descended the long stairway from her room,
yet not alone ; two damsels followed her. And when
the royal lady reached the suitors, she stood beside a
column of the strong-built roof, holding before her
face her delicate wimple, the while a faithful damsel
stood upon either hand. Then bursting into tears,
she said to the noble bard :
" Phemius, many another tale you know to charm
mankind, exploits of men and gods, which bards make
famous. Sit and sing one of these. The rest drink
wine in silence. But cease this song, this song of
woe, which harrows evermore the soul within my
breast ; because on me has fallen grief that cannot
be forgotten. So dear a face I miss, ever remember-
ing one whose fame is wide through Hellas and mid-
Argos."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " My
mother, why forbid the honored bard to cheer us in
whatever way his mind is moved ? The bards are not
to blame, but rather Zeus, who gives to toiling men
even as he wills to each. And for the bard, there is
no ground for censure if he sings the Danaans' cruel
doom. The song which men most heartily applaud is
12 THE ODYSSEY. [1.353-385.
that which comes the newest to their ears. Then let
your heart and soul submit to listen ; for not Odys-
seus only lost the day of his return at Troy, but many
another perished also. Nay, seek your chamber and
attend to matters of your own, — the loom, the distaff,
— and bid the women ply their tasks. Words are for
men, for all, especially for me ; for power within this
house rests here."
Amazed, she turned to her own room again, for the
wdse saying of her son she laid to heart. And coming
to the uj)per chamber with her maids, she there be-
wailed Odysseus, her dear husband, till on her lids
clear-eyed Athene caused a sweet sleep to fall.
But the suitors broke into uproar up and down the
dusky hall. Each prayed to lie beside her. But thus
discreet Telemachus began to speak : " You suitors of
my mother, overweening in your pride, let us enjoy
our feast and have no brawling now. For a pleasant
thing it is to hear a bard like this, one who is like the
gods in voice. But in the morning let us all take
seats in the assembly, where I may unreservedly an-
nounce my will that you shall quit my halls. Seek
other tables and eat what is your own, changing from
house to house ! Or if it seems to you more profitable
and better to ruin the living of one man without
amends, go wasting on ! But I will call upon the
gods that live forever and pray that Zeus may grant
deeds of requital. Then beyond all amends, here in
this house you shall yourselves be ruined."
He spoke, and all with teeth set in their lips mar-
veled because Telemachus had spoken boldly. Then
said Antinoiis, Eupeithes' son : " Telemachus, surely
the gods themselves are training you to be a man of
lofty tongue and a bold speaker. But may the son
1.386-417.] THE ODYSSEY. 13
of Kronos never make you king in sea-girt Itbaca,
although it is by birth your heritage ! "
Then answered him discreet Telemachus: "Anti-
noiis, will you feel offense at what I say? This I
would gladly take, if Zeus would grant it. Do you
suppose the kingship is the worst fate in the world ?
Why, it is no bad thing to be a king ! Soon the house
of a king grows rich and he himself is honored more.
Still, as to kings of the Achaeans, here in sea-girt
Ithaca are many others young and old, some one of
whom may take the place, since royal Odysseus now is
dead. But I myself will be the lord of our own house
and of the slaves which royal Odysseus won for me."
Then answered him Eurymachus, the son of Poly-
bus: "Telemachus, in the gods' lap it lies to say
which one of the Achaeans shall be king in sea-girt
Ithaca. Your substance may you keep and of your
house be lord ; may the man never come who, heedless
of your will, shall strip you of that substance while
men shall dwell in Ithaca. But, good sir, I would ask
about this stranger — whence the man comes, and of
what land he calls himself. Where are his kinsmen
and his native fields ? Does he bring tidings of your
father's coming, or is he come with hope of his own
gains? How hastily he went! Not waiting to be
known ! And yet he seemed no low-born fellow by
the face."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Eury-
machus, as for my father's coming, that is at an end.
Tidings I trust no longer, let them come whence
they may. Nor do I care for divinations, such as my
mother seeks, summoning a diviner to the hall. This
stranger is my father's friend, a man of Taphos ;
Mentes he calls himself, the son of wise Anchialus,
and he is lord of the oar-loving Taphians."
14 THE ODYSSEY. [1. 418-^t44.
So spoke Telemachus, but in his mind he knew the
immortal goddess. Meanwhile the suitors to dancing
and the gladsome song turned merrily, and waited
for the evening to come on. And on their merriment
dark evening came. So then, desiring rest, they each
departed homeward.
But Telemachus himself, where on the beautiful
court his chamber was built high upon commanding
ground, went to his bed with many doubts in mind.
And walking by his side, with blazing torch, went
faitliful Eurycleia, daughter of Ops, Peisenor's son,
whom once Laertes purchased with his substance when
she was but a girl, and paid the price of twenty oxen.
Her equally with his faithful wife he honored at the
palace, but he never sought her bed, avoiding a wife's
anger. Now she it was who bore the blazing torch be-
side Telemachus ; for she of all the handmaids loved
him most and was his nurse when little. He opened
the doors of the strong chamber, sat down upon the
bed, pulled his soft tunic off, and laid it in the wise
old woman's hands. Folding and smoothing out the
tunic, she hung it on a peg beside the well-bored bed-
stead, then left the chamber, and by its silver ring
pulled to the door, drawing the bolt home by its strap.
So there Telemachus, all the night long, wrapped in
a fleece of wool, pondered in mind the course Athene
counseled.
π.
THE ASSEMBLY AT ITHACA AND THE DEPARTURE
OF TELEMACHUS.
Soon as the early, rosy-fingered dawn appeared, the
dear son of Odysseus rose from bed, put on his clothes,
slung his sharp sword about his shoulder, under his
shining feet bound his fair sandals, and came forth
from his chamber in bearing like a god. Straightway
he bade the clear-voiced heralds summon to an as-
sembly the long-haired Achaeans. Those summoned,
and these gathered very quickly. So when they were
assembled and all had come together, he went himself
to the assembly, holding in hand a brazen spear, —
yet not alone, two swift dogs followed after, — and
marvelous was the grace Athene cast about him, that
all the people gazed as he drew near. He sat down
in his father's seat ; the elders made him way.
The first to speak was lord Aegyptius, a man
bowed down with age, who knew a thousand things.
His dear son Antiphus, a spearman, had gone with
god-like Odysseus in the hollow ships to Ilios, famed
for horses. The savage Cyclops killed him in the
deep cave and on him made a supper last of all. Three
other sons there were ; one joined the suitors, — Eu-
rynomus — and two still kept their father's farm.
Yet not because of these did he forget to mourn and
miss that other. With tears for him, he thus ad-
dressed the assembly, saying :
16 THE ODYSSEY. [11.25-55.
" Hearken now, men of Ithaca, to wliat I say.
Never has our assembly once been held, no single ses-
sion, since royal Odysseus went away in hollow ships.
Who is it calls us now, in such a fashion ? Who has
such urgent need ? Young or old is he ? Has he
heard tidings of the army's coming, which he would
plainly tell to us so soon as he has learned ? Or has
he other public matter to announce and argue ? At
any rate, good seems the man to me — a blessed man.
May Zeus accomplish all the good his mind intends ! "
As thus he spoke, the dear son of Odysseus rejoiced
at what was said and kept his seat no longer. He
burned to speak. He rose up in the midst of the as-
sembly, and in Ms hand a herald placed the sceptre, —
a herald named Peisenor, discreet of understanding.
Then turning first to the old man, he thus addressed
him :
" Sire, not far off is he, as you full soon shall know,
who called the people hither; for it is I especially
whom grief befalls. No tidings of the army's com-
ing have I heard, which I would plainly tell to you
so soon as I have learned ; nor have I other public
matter to announce and argue. Rather it is my pri-
vate need, ill falling on my house in twofold wise.
For first I lost my noble father, who was formerly
your king, — kind father as e'er was — and now there
comes a thing more grievous still, which soon will ut-
terly destroy my home and quite cut off my substance.
Suitors beset my mother sorely against her will, sons
of tbe very men who are the leaders here. They
shrink from going to the house of Icarius, her father,
to let him count the bride-gifts of his daughter and
give her then to whom he will, whoever meets his
favor ; but haunting this house of ours day after day,
11.56-87.] THE ODYSSEY. 17
killing our oxen, sheep, and fatted goats, they hold
high revel, drinking sparkling wine with little heed.
Much goes to waste, for there is no man here fit like
Odysseus to keep damage from our doors. We are
not fit ourselves to guard the house ; attempting it,
we should be pitiful, unskilled in conflict. Guard it
I would, if only strength were mine. For deeds are
done not to be longer borne, and with no decency my
house is plundered. Shame you should feel your-
selves, and some respect as well for neighbors living
near you, and awe before the anger of the gods, lest
haply they may turn upon you, vexed with your evil
courses. Nay, I entreat you by Olympian Zeus, and
by that Justice which dissolves and gathers men's
assemblies, forbear, my friends ! Leave me to pine in
bitter grief alone, unless indeed my father, good Odys-
seus, ever in malice wronged the mailed Achaeans,
and in return for that you now with malice do me
wrong, urging these people on. Better for me it were
you should yourselves devour my stores and herds. If
you devoured them, perhaps some day there might be
payment made ; for we would constantly pursue you
through the town, demanding back our substance till
all should be restored. Now, woes incurable you lay
upon my heart."
In wrath he spoke, and dashed the sceptre to the
ground, letting his tears burst forth, and pity fell on
all the people. So all the rest were silent ; no man
dared to make Telemachus a bitter answer. Antinoiis
alone made answer, saying :
" Telemachus, of the lofty tongue and the unbridled
temper, what do you mean by putting us to shame ?
On us you would be glad to fasten guilt. I tell you
the Achaean suitors are not at all to blame ; your
18 THE ODYSSEY. [11.88-119.
mother is to blame, whose craft exceeds all women's.
The third year is gone by, and fast the fourth is going
since she began to mock the hearts in our Achaean
breasts. To all she offers hopes, has promises for
each, and sends us messages, but her mind has a dif-
ferent purpose. Here is the last pretext she cun=
ningly de\ased. Within the hall she set up a great
loom and went to weaving ; fine was the web and very
large ; and then to us said she : ' Young men who are
iny suitors, though royal Odysseus now is dead, for-
bear to urge my marriage till I complete this robe, —
its threads must not be wasted, — a shroud for lord
Laertes, against the time when the fell doom of death
that lays men low shall overtake him. Achaean wives
about the land, I fear, might give me blame if he
should lie without a shroud, he who had great posses-
sions.' Such were her words, and our high hearts
assented. Then in the daytime would she weave
at the great web, but in the night unravel, after her
torch was set. Thus for three years she hid her craft
and cheated the Achaeans. But when the fourth
year came, as time rolled on, then at the last one of
her maids, who knew full well, confessed, and we dis-
covered her unraveling the splendid web ; so then she
finished it, against her will, perforce. Therefore to
you the suitors make this answer, that you yourself
may understand in your own heart, and that the
Achaeans all may understand. Send forth your mo-
ther! Bid her to marry whomever her father wills
and him who pleases her ! Or will she weary longer
yet the sons of the Achaeans, mindful at heart of what
Athene largely gave her, skill in fair works, a noble
mind, and such a craft as we have never known in
those of old, those who were long ago fair-haired
11.120-151.] THE ODYSSEY. 19
Achaean women, — Tyro, Alcmene, and crowned My-
cene, — no one of whom had judgment like Penelope ;
and yet, in truth, in this she judged not wisely. For
just so long shall men devour your life and substance
as she retains the mind the gods put in her breast at
present. Great fame she brings herself, but brings
on you the loss of large possessions ; for we will never
go to our estates, nor elsewhere either, till she shall
marry an Achaean — whom she will."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Anti=
nous, against her will I cannot drive from home the one
who bore me and who brought me up. My father is
away, — alive or dead, — and hard it were to pay the
heavy charges to Icarius which I needs must, if of
my will alone I send my mother forth. For from her
father's hand I shall meet ills, and Heaven will send
me more, when my mother calls upon the dread Aven-
gers as she forsakes the house; blame too will fall
upon me from mankind. Therefore that word I never
will pronounce ; and if your hearts chafe at your foot-
ing here, then quit my halls ! Seek other tables and
eat what is your own, changing from house to house !
Or if it seems to you more profitable and better to
ruin the living of one man without amends, go wast-
ing on ! But I will call upon the gods that live for-
ever and pray that Zeus may grant deeds of requital.
Then beyond all amends, here in this house you
shall yourselves be ruined ! "
So spoke Telemachus, and answering him far-seeing
Zeus sent forth a pair of eagles, flying from a moun=
tain peak on high. These for a time moved on along
the wind, close by each other and with outstretched
wings ; but as they reached the middle of the many-
voiced assembly, wheeling about they briskly flapped
20 THE ODYSSEY. [II. 152-184.
their wings, glared at the heads of all, and death was
in their eyes. Then with their claws tearing each
other's cheek and neck, they darted to the right, across
the town and houses. Men marveled at the birds, as
they beheld, and pondered in their hearts what they
might mean. And to the rest spoke old lord Halither=
ses, the son of Mastor ; for he surpassed all people
of his time in understanding birds and telling words
of fate. He with good will addressed them thus,
and said :
*' Hearken now, men of Ithaca, to what I say ; and
to the suitors especially I speak, for over them rolls a
great wave of woe. Odysseus will not long be parted
from his friends, but even now is near, sowing the
seeds of death and doom for all men here. Ay, and
on many others too shall sorrow fall, on many of us
who live in far-seen Ithaca ! But long ere that, let us
consider how to check these men, or rather, let them
check themselves ; that shall be soon their gain. And
not as inexpert I prophesy, but with sure knowledge.
For this I say : all has come true which I declared
that day the Argive host took ship for Ilios, and with
them also wise Odysseus went. I said that after suf-
fering much, and losing all his men, unknown to all,
in the twentieth year he should come home ; and now
it all comes true."
Then answered him Eurymachus, the son of Poly-
bus : " Well, well, old man, go home and play the
prophet to your children, or else they may have trouble
in the days to come ! About these matters I can pro-
phesy much better than yourseK. Plenty of birds flit
in the sunshine, but not all are fateful. As for Odys-
seus, he died far away ; and would that you had per-
ished with him ! You would not then be prating so
II. 185-217.] THE ODYSSEY. 21
of reading signs, nor would yon, when Telemachus is
wroth, thus press him on, looking for him to send your
house some gift. But this I tell you, and it shall be
done ; if you, who know all that an old man knows,
delude this youth with talk and urge him on to anger,
it shall be in the first place all the worse for him, and
he shall accomplish nothing by aid of people here,
while on yourself, old man, we will inflict a fine which
it will grieve you to the soul to pay. Bitter indeed
shall be your sorrow. And to Telemachus, here be-
fore all, I give this warning. Let him instruct his
mother to go to her father's house. They there shall
make the wedding and arrange the many gifts which
should accompany a well-loved child ; for not, I think,
till then will the sons of the Achaeans quit their rough
courtship. No fear have we of any man, not even of
Telemachus, so full of talk. Nothing we care for au-
guries which you, old man, idly declare, making your-
self the more detested. So now again, his substance
shall be miserably devoured, and no return be made,
so long as she delays the Achaeans with her marriage.
Moreover, waiting here day after day, as rivals for
her charms, we will not seek out other women whom
it might well become a man to marry."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Euryma-
chus and all you other lordly suitors, this will I urge
no longer ; I have no more to say ; for now the gods
and all the Achaeans understand. But give me a
swift ship with twenty comrades, to help me make a
journey up and down the sea ; for I will go to Sparta
and to sandy Pylos, to learn about the coming home
of my long-absent father. Perhaps some man may tell
me, or I may catch a rumor sent from Zeus, which
oftenest carries tidings. If I shall hear my father is
22 THE ODYSSEY. [11.218-249.
alive and coming home, worn as I am, I might endure
for one year more. But if I hear that he is dead, —
no longer with the living, — I will at once return to
my own native land, and pile his mound and pay the
funeral rites, full many, as are due, and I will give my
mother to a husband."
So saying, he sat down ; and up rose Mentor, who
was the friend of gallant Odysseus. On going with
the ships, Odysseus gave him charge of all his house,
that they should heed their elder and he keep all
things secure. He with good will addressed them thus,
and said :
" Hearken now, men of Ithaca, to what I say.
Never again let sceptred king in all sincerity be
kind and gentle, nor let him in his mind heed right-
eousness. Let him instead ever bo stern, and work
unrighteous deeds ; since none remembers princely
Odysseus among the people whom he ruled, kind
father though he was. Yet I make no complaint
against the haughty suitors for doing deeds of vio-
lence in insolence of heart ; for they at hazard of their
heads thus violently devour the household of Odys-
seus, saying he comes no more. But with the rest of
the people I am wroth, because you all sit still, and,
uttering not a word, you do not stop the suitors, —
they so few and you so many."
Then answered him Evenor's son, Leiocritus : " In-
fernal Mentor, crazy -witted, what do you mean by
urging these to stop us ? Hard would it be, for many
more than we, to fight with us on question of our food !
Indeed, should Ithacan Odysseus come himself upon
us lordly suitors feasting in his house, and be resolved
at heart to drive us from the hall, his wife would have
no joy, however great her longing, over his coming ;
11.250-283.] THE ODYSSEY. 23
but here he should meet shameful death, fighting with
more than he. You spoke unwisely ! Come, people,
then, turn to your own affairs ! For this youth here,
Mentor shall speed his voyage, and Halitherses too,
for they are from of old his father's friends ; but I
suspect he still will sit about, gather his news in
Ithaca, and never make the voyage."
He spoke, and hastily dissolved the assembly. So
they dispersed, each to his house ; but the suitors
sought the house of princely Odysseus.
Telemachus, however, walked alone along the shore,
and, washing his hands in the foaming water, prayer•
to Athene : " Hear me, thou god who camest yester-
day here to our home, and badst me go on ship-
board over the misty sea to ask about the coming
home of my long-absent father. All thy commands
the Achaeans hinder, the suitors most of all in wicked
insolence."
So spoke he in his prayer, and near him came
Athene, likened to Mentor in her form and voice, and
speaking in winged words she said :
" Telemachus, henceforth you shall not be a base
man nor a foolish, if in you stirs the brave soul of
your father, and you like him can give effect to deed
and word. Then shall this voyage not be vain and
ineffective. But if you are no son of him and of Pe-
nelope, then am I hopeless of your gaining what you
seek. Few sons are like their fathers ; most are worse, /
few better than the father. Yet because you henceforth '
will not be base nor foolish, nor has the wisdom of
Odysseus wholly failed you, therefore there is a hope
you will one day accomplish all. Disregard, then, the
thoughts and plans of the mad suitors, for they are in
no way wise or upright men. Nothing they know of
24 THE ODYSSEY. [II. 284^16.
death and the dark doom which now is near, so that
they all shall perish in a day. But for yourself, the
journey you desire shall not be long delayed. So
truly am I your father's friend, I will provide you a
swift ship and be myself your comrade. But go you
to the palace, mix with the suitors, and prepare the
stores, securing all in vessels, — wine in jars, and bar-
ley-meal, men's marrow, in tight skins, — while I about
the town will soon collect a willing crew. The ships
are many in sea-girt Ithaca, ships new and old. Of
these I will select the best, and quickly making ready
we will sail the open sea."
So spoke Athene, daughter of Zeus. No longer then
lingered Telemachus when he heard the goddess speak.
He hastened to the house, though with a heavy heart,
and at the palace found the haughty suitors flaying
goats and singeing swine within the court. Antinotis
laughingly came forward to Telemachus, and holding
him by the hand he spoke, and thus addressed him :
" Telemachus, of the lofty tongue and the unbridled
temper, do not again grow sore in heart at what we do
or say ! No, eat and drink just as you used to do.
All you have asked of course the Achaeans will pro-
vide, — the ship and the picked crew, — to help you
quickly find your way to hallowed Pylos, seeking for
tidings of your noble father."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Anti-
nous, it is not possible to sit at table quietly with you
rude men and calmly take my ease. Was it not quite
enough that in the days gone by you suitors wasted
much good property of mine, while I was still a help-
less child ? But now that I am grown and hear and
understand what people say, the spirit swells within
me, and I will try to bring upon your heads an evil
11.317-348.] THE ODYSSEY. 25
doom whether I go to P} los or remain here in this
land. But go I will — not vain shall be the voyage
of which I speak — a passenger with others, since I
can have command of neither ship nor crew. And
this was what a while ago you judged was best."
He spoke, and from the hand of Antinoiis quietly
drew his own. Meanwhile, the suitors in the house
were busy at their meal. They mocked him, jeering
at him in their talk, and a rude youth would say :
" Really, Telemachus is plotting for our ruin ! He
will bring champions from sandy Pylos ; or even from
Sparta, so deeply is he stirred ; or else he means to go
to Ephyra, that fruitful land, and fetch thence deadly
drugs to drop into our wine-bowl and so destroy us
aU."
Then would another rude youth answer thus : " If
he goes off upon a hollow ship and wanders far from
friends, who knows but he too may be lost just as
Odysseus was ! And that would make us more ado ;
for all his goods we then must share, and to his mother
give the house, for her to keep — her and the man who
marries her."
So ran their talk. Meanwhile Telemachus passed
down the house into his father's large and high-roofed
chamber, where in a pile lay gold and bronze, cloth-
ing in chests, and stores of fragrant oil. Great jars
of old delicious wine were standing there, holding
within pure liquor fit for gods, in order ranged along
the wall, in case Odysseus, after all his woes, ever
came home again. Shut were the folding-doors, close-
fitting, double ; and here both night and day a house-
wife stayed, who in her watchful wisdom guarded all
— Eurycleia, daughter of Ops, Peisenor's son. To
her now spoke Telemachus, calling her to the room :
26 THE ODYSSEY. [II. 349-3S0.
" Good nurse, come draw me wine in jars, sweet
wine that is the choicest next to the wine you keep,
thinking that ill-starred man will one day come —
high-born Odysseus — safe from death and doom. Fill
twelve and fit them all with covers. Then pour me
barley into well-sewn sacks. Let there be twenty
measures of ground barley-meal. None but yourself
must know. Get all together, and I to-night will
fetch them, so soon as my mother goes to her cham-
ber seeking rest ; for I am going to Sparta and to
sandy Pylos, to try to learn of my dear father's
coming."
As he said this, his dear nurse Eurycleia cried aloud
and sorrowfully said in winged words : '' Ah, my dear
child, how came such notions in your mind ? Where
will you go through the wide world, our only one, our
darling! High-born Odysseus is already dead, far
from his home in some strange land. And now these
men, the instant you are gone, will plot against you
harm, that you by stealth may be cut off, and they
thus share with one another all things here. No, stay
you here at ease among your own I You have no
need to suffer hardship, roaming over barren seas."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " Cour-
age, good nurse ! for not without God's warrant is my
purpose. But swear to speak no word of this to my
dear mother until the eleventh or twelfth day comes,
or until she shall miss me and hear that I am gone,
that so she may not stain her beautiful face with
tears."
Thus did he speak, and the old woman swore by the
gods a solemn oath. Then after she had sworn and
ended all that oath, she straightway drew him wine
in jars, and poured him barley into well-sewn sacks.
11.381^11.] THE ODYSSEY. 27
Telemachus, meanwhile, passed to the house and joined
the suitors.
Now a new plan the goddess formed, clear-eyed
Athene. In likeness of Telemachus, she went through-
out the town, and, approaching one and another man,
gave them the word, bidding them meet by the swift
ship at eventide. Noemon next, the gallant son of
Phronius, she begged for a swift ship ; and this he
freely promised.
Now the sun sank and all the ways grew dark.
And now she drew the swift ship to the sea and put
in all the gear that well-benched vessels carry ; she
moored her by the harbor's mouth ; the good crew
gathered round about, and the goddess gave them
zeal.
Then a new plan the goddess formed, clear-eyed
Athene. She hastened to the house of princely Odys-
seus, there on the suitors poured sweet sleep, confused
them as they drank, and made the cups fall from their
hands. They hurried off to rest throughout the town,
and did not longer tarry, for sleep fell on their eyelids.
Then to Telemachus spoke clear-eyed Athene, calling
him forth before the stately hall, likened to Mentor
in her form and voice :
" Telemachus, already your mailed comrades sit at
the oar and wait your starting. Come, let us go, and
not lose time upon the wslj.'^
Saying this, Pallas Athene led the way in haste,
and he walked after in the footsteps of the goddess.
But when they came to the ship and to the sea, they
found upon the shore their long-haired comrades, to
whom thus spoke revered Telemachus :
" Come, friends, and let us fetch the stores ; all are
collected at the hall. My mother knows of nothing,
28 THE ODYSSEY. [11.412^34.
nor do the handmaids either. One alone had my
orders."
So saying, he led the way, the others followed after ;
and bringing all the stores into their well-benched ship
they stowed them there, even as the dear son of Odys-
seus ordered. Then came Telemachus aboard ; but
Athene led the way, and at the vessel's stern she sat
her down, while close at hand Telemachus was seated.
The others loosed the cables, and coming aboard them-
selves took places at the pins. A favorable wind
clear-eyed Athene sent, a brisk west wind that sang
along the wine-dark sea. And now Telemachus, in-
spiriting his men, bade them lay hold upon the tac-
kling, and they hearkened to his call. Raising the pine-
wood mast, they set it in the hollow socket, binding it
firm with forestays, and tightened the white sail with
twisted oxhide thongs. The wind swelled out the
belly of the sail, and round the stem loudly the rip-
pling water roared as the ship started. Onward she
sped, forcing a passage through the waves. Making
the tackling fast throughout the swift black ship, the
men brought bowls brimming with wine, and to the
gods, that never die and never have been born, they
poured it forth — chiefest of all to her, the clear-eyed
child of Zeus. So through the night and early dawn
did the ship cleave her way.
ΠΙ.
AT PYLOS.
And now the sun, leaving the beauteous bay, rose
to the brazen sky, to shine for the immortals and for
mortal men upon the fruitful fields ; and the two drew
near to Pylos, the stately citadel of Neleus. The
townsfolk here were offering a sacrifice uj^on the shore,
slaying black bulls to the dark-haired Earth-shaker.
Nine groups there were, five hundred men in each,
and nine bulls were presented for each group. When
the inward parts were tasted and the thighs were
burning to the god, the two ran swiftly in, hauled
up and furled their trim ship's sail, brought her to
anchor, and came forth themselves. So from the ship
came forth Telemachus, but Athene led the way, and
thus began the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Telemachus, no shyness now ! For to accomplish
this you crossed the sea, to make inquiry for your
father and to learn where he lies buried and what
fate he met. Go then straight forward to the horse-
man Nestor, and let us know what is the wisdom hid-
den in his breast. Beg him yourself to tell the very
truth. Falsehood he will not speak ; truly upright
is he."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " Mentor,
how can I go ? How importune him ? In subtleties
of speech I am not practised. Shyness is fitting in a
youth when questioning his elders."
80 THE ODYSSEY. [III. 25-55.
Then said to bim the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Telemachus, some promptings you will find in your
own breast, and Heaven will send still more ; for, cer-
tainly, not un befriended of the gods have you been
born and bred."
Saying this, Pallas Athene led the way in haste, and
he walked after in the footsteps of the goddess. So
they approached the gathering of the men of Pylos
and the group where Nestor sat among his sons.
Round him his people, making the banquet ready,
were roasting meats and putting pieces on the spits.
But as they saw the strangers, all the men crowded
near, gave hands in welcome, and asked them to sit
down ; and Nestor's son Peisistratus, approaching first,
took each one by the hand and placed them at the
feast on some soft fleeces laid upon the sands, beside
his brother Thrasymedes and his father. He gave
them portions of the inward parts, poured out some
wine into a golden cup, and, offering welcome, said to
Pallas Athene, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus :
" Here, stranger, make a prayer to lord Poseidon.
It is his feast you find at this your coming. Then,
after you have poured and prayed as is befitting, give
this man too the cup of honeyed wine for him to pour ;
for I suppose he also prays to the immortals. All
men have need of gods. But he is the younger, young
as I myself; so I will give you first the golden
chalice."
Saying this, he placed the cup of sweet wine in her
hand. And Athene was pleased to find the man so
wise and courteous, pleased that he gave her first the
golden chalice. Forthwith she prayed a fervent prayer
to lord Poseidon :
" Hearken, Poseidon, thou girder of the land, and
III. 56-86.] THE ODYSSEY. 31
count it not too much to give thy suppliants these
blessings. First upon Nestor and his sons bestow all
honor ; then to the rest grant gracious recompense, to
all the men of Pylos, for their splendid sacrifice ; and
grant still farther that Telemachus and I may sail
away having accomplished that for which we came
upon our swift black ship."
Thus did she pray, and was herself fulfilling all. To
Telemachus she passed the goodly double cup, and in
like manner also prayed the dear son of Odysseus.
But when the rest had roasted the outer flesh and
drawn it off, dividing the portions, they held a glori-
ous feast. And after they had stayed desire for drink
and food, then thus began the Gerenian horseman
Nestor :
" Now, then, it is more suitable to prove our guests
and ask them who they are, since they are refreshed
with food. Strangers, who are you ? Where do you
come from, sailing the watery ways ? Are you upon
some business ? Or do you rove at random, as the
pirates roam the seas, risking their lives and bringing
ill to strangers ? "
Then answered him discreet Telemachus, plucking
up courage ; for Athene herself put courage in his
heart to ask about his absent father and to win a good
report among mankind :
" Ο Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achae-
ans, you ask me whence we are, and I will tell you.
We are of Ithaca, under Mount Nei'on. Our busi-
ness is our own, no public thing, as I will show. I
come afar to seek some tidings of my father, royal
hardy Odysseus, who once, they say, fought side by
side with you and sacked the Trojan town. For as to
all the others who were in the war at Troy we have
82 THE ODYSSEY. [III. 87-119.
already learned where each man met his mournful
death ; but this man's death the son of Kronos left
unlinown. No one can surely say where he has died ;
whether he was borne down on land by foes, or on the
sea among the waves of Amphitrite. Therefore I
now come hither to your knees to ask if you will tell
me of my father's mournful death, in case you saw it
for yourself with your own eyes, or from some other
heard the story of his wanderings ; for to exceeding
grief his mother bore him. Use no mild word nor
yield to pity from regard for me, but tell me fully all
you chanced to see. I do entreat you, if ever my
father, good Odysseus, in word or deed kept covenant
with you there in the Trojan land where you Achae-
ans suffered, be mindful of it now ; tell me the very
truth."
Then answered him the Gerenian horseman Nestor :
" Ah, friend, you make me call to mind the pains we
bore when in that land, untamed in spirit as we sons
of the Achaeans were — all we endured on shipboard
on the misty sea, coasting for plunder where Achilles
led ; and all our fightings round the stronghold of
King Priam, where so many of our bravest perished.
There warlike Ajax lies, and there Achilles. There
too Patroclus, the peer of gods in wisdom. There my
own son, so strong and gallant, Antilochus, exceeding
swift of foot, a famous fighter. And many other woes
we had, added to these. What mortal man could
count them ? Nay, should you tarry five or six years
here to ask what woes the great Achaeans suffered,
you would return to your own land, wearied ere I
could tell.
" For nine years long we plotted their destruction,
busy with craft of every kind ; yet still the son of
III. 120-152.] THE ODYSSEY. 38
Kronos hardly brought us through. With one man
then none sought to vie in wisdom ; for far beyond
us all in craft of every kind was royal Odysseus, your
father, — if you are indeed his child. I am amazed
to see. And yet, how fitting are your words ! One
would not say a youth could speak so fitly. There,
all that while, royal Odysseus and I never once dis-
agreed in the assembly or the council ; but with one
heart, with will and steadfast purpose, we planned how
all might best be ordered for the Argives.
" Yet after we overthrew the lofty town of Priam,
when we went away in ships and God dispersed the
Achaeans, ah, then Zeus purposed in his mind a sad
voyage for the Argives ! For nowise prudent and up-
right were all. So, many a one came to an evil end,
through the fell wrath of the dread father's clear-eyed
child, who caused a strife betwixt the sons of Atreus.
For these two summoned to an assembly all the
Achaeans, in haste, not in due order, at the setting
sun ; and hea\^ with wine the young Achaeans came.
Then each declared the reason why he called the host
together. Now Menelaus exhorted all the Achae-
ans to turn their thoughts toward going home on the
broad ocean-ridges ; but this pleased Agamemnon not
at all. He wished to stay the host and offer sacred
hecatombs, that so he might appease the dread wrath
of Athene, — ah, fool ! who did not know she might
not be persuaded ; for a purpose is not lightly changed
in gods who live forever. Thus stood the brothers ex-
changing bitter words, while up sprang other mailed
Achaeans in wild din and both the plans found favor.
That night we rested, nursing in our breasts hard
thoughts of one another. Zeus was preparing us the
ill that comes from wrong. At dawn we dragged our
34 THE ODYSSEY. [III. 153-184.
ships into the sacred sea, and put therein our goods
and the low-girdled women. Half of the host held
back, remaining with the son of Atreus, Agamemnon,
the shepherd of the people ; w^hile we, the other half,
embarked and sailed. Swiftly our ships ran on ; God
smoothed the billowy deep. Arrived at Tenedos, we
offered sacrifices to the gods, as homeward bound ; but
Zeus had not yet willed our coming home, — cruel ! to
waken bitter strife a second time. Part turned their
curved ships back and sailed away after Odysseus, keen
and crafty, again to proffer aid to Agamemnon, son of
Atreus. I, with the company of ships which followed
me, pressed onward, for I knew some power intended
ill. On pressed the warlike son of Tydeus, too, inspirit-
ing his men. Later upon our track came light-haired
Menelaus, who overtook us while at Lesbos w^ debated
on the long sea voyage, doubtful if we should sail
above steep Chios, by way of the island Psyria, with
Chios on our left, or under Chios and past windy
Mimas. We therefore begged of God to show some
sign ; and he made plain our way, bidding us cut the
centre of the sea straight for Eubcea, if we would
soonest flee from danger. The whistling wind began
to blow, and swiftly along the swarming water sped
our ships, and touched at night Geraestus, where on
Poseidon's altar we laid many thighs of bulls, thank-
ful that we had compassed the wide sea. It was the
fourth day when the crews of Diomed the horseman,
son of Tydeus, moored their trim ships at Argos. I
still held on toward Pylos, nor did the breeze once fail
after the god first sent it forth to blow.
" And thus it was I came, dear child, bringing no
tidings ; nothing I know about the rest of the Achae-
an s, w^hich were saved and which were lost. But all
III. 185-217.] THE ODYSSEY. 35
that I have learned while sitting here at home, this,
as is proper, you shall know ; I will hide nothing from
you. Safely, they say, returned the sj^earmen of the
Myrmidons, whom the proud son of fierce Achilles
led ; safely, too, Philoctetes, the gallant son of Poias ;
and back to Crete Idomeneus brought all his men, -—
all who escaped the war, the sea took not a man»
About the son of Atreus you yourselves have heard,
though you live far away ; how he returned, and how
Aegisthus plotted his mournful death. And yet a
fearful reckoning Aegisthus paid ! When a man
dies, how good it is to leave a son ! That son took
vengeance on the slayer, wily Aegisthus, who had
slain his famous father. You too, my friend, — for
certainly I find you fair and tall, — be strong, that
men hereafter born may speak your praise."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Ο Nes-
tor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achaeans,
stoutly that son took vengeance, and the Achaeans
yhall S23read his fame afar, that future times may
know. Oh, that to me as well the gods would give
the power to pay the suitors for their grievous wrongs,
for they with insult work me abominations ! But no
such boon the gods bestowed on me and on my father.
Now, therefore, all must simply be endured."
Then answered him the Gerenian horseman Nestor :
" Friend, — since you turn my thoughts that way by
your own words, — they say that many suitors of your
mother, heedless of you, work evil in your halls.
Pray tell me, do you willingly submit, or are the peo-
ple of your land adverse to you, led by some voice
of God ? Who knows but yet Odysseus may return
and recompense their crimes, either alone, or all the
Achaeans with him ? Ah, might clear-eyed Athene
550 THE ODYSSEY. [111.218-247.
be pleased to be your friend as formerly she aided
great Odysseus, there in the Trojan land where we
Achaeans suffered ! For I never knew the gods to
show such open friendship as Pallas Athene showed
in standing by Odysseus. If now to you she would
be such a friend and heartily give aid, it might be
some of these men here would cease to think of mar-
riage."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Nay,
sire, not soon, I think, will words like these come
true. Too great is what you say ; I am astonished.
Hope what I might, such things could never be, not
if the gods should will them."
Then said to him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
"Telemachus, what word has passed the barrier of
your teeth ? Easily may a god, who will, bring a man
safe from far. But I myself would gladly meet a
multitude of woes, if thus I might go home and see
my day of coming, and not return and fall beside
my hearth as Agamemnon fell, under the plottings of
his own wife and Aegisthus. Yet death, the common
lot, gods have no power to turn even from one they
love, when the fell doom of death that lays men low
once overtakes him."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " Mentor,
let us talk of this no more, sad as we are. For him no
real return can ever be ; long time ago the immortals
fixed his death and his dark doom. At present I
would trace a different story and question Nestor,
since beyond all men else he knows the right and wise.
Three generations of mankind they say that he has
ruled, and as I now behold him he seems like an im-
mortal. Ο Nestor, son of Neleus, relate to me the
truth ! How did the son of Atreus die, wide-ruling
III. 248-278.] THE ODYSSEY. 37
Ajxamemnon ? And where was Menelaus ? What was
the deadly plot wily Aegisthus laid to kill a man much
braver than himself ? Was Menelaus absent from
Achaean Argos, traveling to men afar, that so Aegis-
thus, taking courage, did the murder ? "
Then answered him the Gerenian horseman Nestor :
" Well, I will tell you all the truth, my child. In-
deed, you yourself guess how it had fallen out if the
son of Atreus, light-haired Menelaus, had found Ae-
gisthus living in the palace when he returned from
Troy. Then over dead Aegisthus, men had heaped
no mound of earth, but dogs and birds had feasted on
him where he lay upon the plain outside the town,
and no Achaean woman had made lament for him ;
for monstrous was the deed he wrought. At Troy we
tarried, bringing to fulfillment many toils, while he, at
ease, hidden in grazing Argos, strove hard to win the
wife of Agamemnon by his words. At first, indeed,
she scorned ill-doing, this royal Clytaemnestra, being
of upright mind. Moreover, a bard was with her
whom the son of Atreus strictly charged, on setting
forth for Troy, to guard his wife. But when at last
the doom of gods constrained her to her ruin, then did
Aegisthus take the bard to a lone island and leave
him there the prey and prize of birds, while her, as
willing as himself, he led to his own home. And
many a thigh-piece did he burn upon the sacred altars
of the gods, and many an offering render, woven stuffs
and gold, at having achieved such monstrous deed as
in his heart he had not hoped.
" Now as we came from Troy, the son of Atreus and
myself set sail together full of loving thoughts ; but
when we were approaching sacred Sunion, a cape of
Athens, Phoebus Apollo smote the helmsman of Me-
38 THE ODYSSEY. [III. 279-312.
nelaus and slew him with his geutle arrows while he
held the rudder of the running ship within his hands.
Phrontis it was, Onetor's son, one who surpassed all
humankind in piloting a ship when winds were wild.
So Menelaus tarried, though eager for his journey, to
bury his companion and to pay the funeral rites. But
when he also, sailing in his hollow ships over the wine-
dark sea, reached in his course the steep height of
Maleia, from that point on far-seeing Zeus gave him
a grievous way. He poured forth blasts of whistling
winds and swollen waves as huge as mountains. Di-
viding the ships, he brought a part to Crete, where
the Cydonians dwelt around the streams of lardanus.
Here is a cliff, smooth and steep toward the water, at
the border land of Gortyn, on the misty sea, where
the south wind drives in the heavy waves on the west-
ern point toward Phaestus, and this small rock holds
back the heavy waves. Some came in here, and the
men themselves hardly escaped destruction ; their
ships the waves crushed on the ledges. But the five
other dark-bowed ships wind and wave bore to Egypt.
So Menelaus gathered there much substance and
much gold, coasting about on ship-board to men of
alien speech ; and all this time at home Aegisthus
foully plotted. Seven years he reigned in rich My-
cene when he had slain the son of Atreus. The peo-
ple were held down. But in the eighth ill came ; for
royal Orestes came from Athens and slew the slayer,
wily Aegisthus, who had slain his famous father.
The slaughter done, he held a funeral banquet for the
Argives, over his hateful mother and spiritless Aegis-
thus, and on that self -same day came Menelaus, good
at the war-cry, bringing a store of treasure, all the
freight his ships could bear.
III. 313-343.] THE ODYSSEY. 89
"You too, dear friend, wander not long and far
from home, leaving your wealth behind and persons
in your house so insolent as these ; for they may swal-
low all your wealth, sharing with one another, while
you are gone a fruitless journey. And yet, I say, go
visit Menelaus. Indeed, I bid you go ; for he is lately
come from foreign lands and from those nations
whence one could not really hope to come, when once
the storms had swept him off into so vast a sea, — a
sea from which birds travel not within a year, so vast
it is and fearful. Go then at once with your own
ship and crew, or if you like by land ; chariot and
horses are ready for you, and ready too my sons to
be your guides to sacred Lacedaemon, where lives
light-haired Menelaus. Beg him yourself to tell the
very truth. Falsehood he will not speak ; truly up-
right is he."
As he thus spoke the sun went down and darkness
came, and the goddess, clear-eyed Athene, said to
them:
"Sire, certainly these words of yours are fitly
spoken. But come, cut up the tongues and mix the
wine, that after we have poured libations to Poseidon
and the rest of the immortals we seek our rest, since
it is time for that. For now the day has turned to
dusk, and surely it is not well to tarry long at the
gods' feast ; rather to rise and go."
So spoke the daughter of Zeus ; and they hearkened
to her saying. Pages poured water on their hands ;
young men brimmed bowls Avith drink and served to
all, with a first pious portion for the cup ; they them-
selves threw the tongues into the flame and, rising,
poured libations. So after they had poured and drunk
as their hearts would, then would Athene and princely
40 THE ODYSSEY. [III. 3M-376.
Telemachus set off together for their hollow ship.
But Nestor checked them and rebuked them, say-
ing :
*' Zeus and the other immortal gods forbid that you
should leave my house and turn to a swift ship ! As
if I were a man quite without clothes and poor, a man
who had not robes and rugs enough at home for him-
self and friends to sleep in comfort! But in my
house are goodly robes and rugs. And never, surely,
shall the son of that Odysseus lie on ship's deck while
I am living, or while within my halls children remain
to entertain such guests as visit house of mine."
Then said to him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Well have you said in this, kind sir, and good it
were Telemachus should heed, for it is far more seemly
so. Nay, he shall now attend you and sleep within
your haUs. But as for me, I go to the black ship to
cheer my men and tell their duties, for I am the only
man of years among them all ; the others, younger
men, follow me out of friendship, and all are of the
age of bold Telemachus. There would I lay me down
by the black hollow ship to-night ; but in the morn-
ing I will go to the bold Cauconians where there are
debts now due me, not recent ones nor small. As for
Telemachus who stays with you, send him upon his
way by chariot with your son, and give him horses
that have swiftest speed and best endurance."
Saying this, clear-eyed Athene passed away, in like-
ness of an osprey. Awe fell on all who saw. The
old man marveled as he gazed, grasped by the hand
Telemachus, and said as he addressed him :
" Dear friend, you will not prove, I trust, a base
man, lacking spirit, if when so young the gods be-
come your guides. This is none else of those who
III. 377-409.] THE ODYSSEY. 41
have their dwelling on Olympus than the daughter of
Zeus, the Plunderer, Tritogeneia, who honored your
good father too amongst the Argives. Ah, queen, be
gracious and vouchsafe me fair renown, — me and my
children and my honored wife, — and I will give to
thee a glossy heifer, broad of brow, unbroken, one no
man ever brought beneath the yoke. Her I will give,
tipping her horns with gold."
So spoke he in his prayer, and Pallas Athene heard.
Then the Gerenian horseman Nestor led sons and sons-
in-law to his fair palace. And they on reaching the
far-famed palace of the king, took seats in order
on couches and on chairs ; and the old man mixed at
their coming a vessel of sweet wine, which, now eleven
years old, the housewife opened, loosening the lid. A
bowl of this the old man mixed, and fervently he
prayed, pouring libation to Athene, daughter of aegis-
bearing Zeus.
Then after they had poured and drunk as their
hearts would, desiring rest, they each departed home-
ward ; but in the house itself the Gerenian horseman
Nestor prepared the bed of Telemachus, the son of
princely Odysseus, upon a well-bored bedstead beneath
the echoing portico. By him he placed Peisistratus,
that sturd}^ spearman, one ever foremost, he who was
still the bachelor among the sons at home. But Nestor
slept in the recess of the high hall ; his wife, the Queen,
making her bed beside him.
Soon as the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared, the
Gerenian horseman Nestor rose from bed, and coming
forth sat down on the smooth stones which stood be-
fore his lofty gate, white, glistening as v/ith oil. On
them in former days Neleus had sat, the peer of gods
in wisdom ; but long ago he met his doom and went to
42 THE ODYSSEY. [III. 410-4il.
the house of Hades, and now Gerenian Nestor sat
thereon, as warder of the Achaeans, holding the scep-
tre. Kound him his sons collected in a group, on com-
ing from their chambers, — Echephron and Stratius,
Perseus, Aretus, and gallant Thrasymedes, and sixth
and last came lord Peisistratus. Then they led for-
ward godlike Telemachus, and set him by their side,
and thus began the Gerenian horseman Nestor :
" Hasten, dear children, and fulfill my vow ; that
first of all the gods I satisfy Athene, who came to me
in open presence at the gods' high feast. Go one
among you to the field and have a heifer quickly
brought, and let the neat-herd drive her up. One go
to the black ship of bold Telemachns, and bring here
all his crew. Leave only two behind. Let one again
summon the smith Laerces hither, to tip with gold the
heifer's horns. The rest of you stay here together.
But tell the maids within our famoxis palace to spread
a feast, to fetch some seats, some logs of wood, and
some fresh water."
He spoke ; away went all in breathless haste. And
now there came the heifer from the field ; there came
from the swift balanced ship the crew of brave Te-
lemachus ; there came the smith, with his smith's tools
in hand, his implements of art, anvil and hammer and
the shapely tongs, with which he works the gold ;
there came Athene, too, to meet the sacrifice. Then
the old horseman Nestor furnished gold, and so that
other welded it round the heifer's horns, smoothing it
till the goddess might be pleased to view the offering.
Now by the horns Stratius and noble Echephron led
up the heifer ; Aretus brought lustral water in a flow-
ered basin from the store-room, and in his other hand
held barley in a basket ; and dauntless Thrasymedes,
111.442^71.] THE ODYSSEY. 43
a sharp axe in his hand, stood by to fell the heifer,
while Perseus held the blood -bowl. Then the old
horseman Nestor began the opening rites, of washing
hands and sprinkling meal. And fervently he prayed
Athene at beginning, casting the forelocks in the fire.
So after they had prayed and strewn the barley-
meal, forthwith the son of Nestor, ardent Thrasymedes^
drew near and dealt the blow. The axe cut through
the sinews of the neck and broke the heifer's power,
A cry went up from the daughters of Nestor, the sons'
wives, and his own honored wife, Eurydice, the eldest
of the daughters of Clymenus. The sons then raised
the beast up from the trodden earth and held her so,
the while Peisistratus, ever the foremost, cut the throat.
And after the black blood had flowed and life had left
the carcase, they straightway laid it open, quickly cut
out the thighs, all in due order, wrapped them in fat
in double layers and placed raw flesh thereon. On
billets of wood the old man burned them, and poured
upon them sparkling wine, while young men by his
side held five-pronged forks. So after the thighs
were burned and the inward parts were tasted, they
sliced the rest, and stuck it on the forks and roasted
all, holding the pointed forks in hand.
Meanwhile to Telemachus fair Polycaste gave a bath,
she who was youngest daughter of Nestor, son of Ne-
leus. And after she had bathed him and anointed
him with oil and put upon him a goodly robe and
tunic, forth from the bath he came, in bearing like the
immortals ; and he went and sat by Nestor, the shep-
herd of the people.
The others, too, when they had roasted the outer
flesh and drawn it off, sat down and fell to feasting.
Men of degree attended them, pouring the wine into
44 THE ODYSSEY. [III. 472-497.
their golden cups. So after they had stayed desire
for drink and food, then thus began the Gerenian
horseman Nestor : " My sons, go fetch the fuU-maned
horses for Telemachus and yoke them to the car, that
he may make his journey."
So he spoke, and willingly they heeded and obeyed.
Quickly they harnessed the swift horses to the caro
The housewife put in bread and wine and dainties,
such things as heaven-descended princes eat. And
now Telemachus mounted the goodly chariot, and
Nestor's son Peisistratus, ever the foremost, mounted
the chariot too, and took the reins in hand. He
cracked the whip to start, and not unwillingly the pair
flew off into the plain, left the steep citadel of Pylos,
and all day long they shook the yoke Uiey bore be-
tween them.
Now the sun sank and all the ways grew dark, and
the men arrived at Pherae, before the house of Diodes,
the son of Orsilochus, whose father was Alpheius.
There for the night they rested ; he gave them enter-
tainment.
Then as the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared,
they harnessed the horses, mounted the gay chariot,
and off they drove from porch and echoing portico.
Peisistratus cracked the whip to start, and not unwil-
lingly the pair flew off. So into the plain they came
Avhere grew the grain ; and through this, by and by,
they reached their journey's ending. So fast their
horses sped them. Then the sun sank and all the
ways grew dark.
IV.
AT LACEDAEMON.
Into the low land now they came of caverned Lace-
daemon an^ drove to the palace of famous Menelaus.
They found him holding a wedding feast for all his kin
in honor of the son and gentle daughter of his house»
To the son of Achilles, that breaker of men's ranks,
he gave his daughter ; for long ago, at Troy, he
pledged himself to give her, and now the gods brought
round their wedding. Accordingly to-day with horses
and with chariots he sent her forth to the famed city
of the Myrmidons, whose king her bridegroom was.
Then for his son he took to wife Alector's daughter
out of Sparta, his son being now full grown, strong
Megapenthes, the child of a slave mother. The gods
gave Helen no more issue after she in the early time
had borne her lovely child, Hermione, who had the
grace of golden Aphrodite.
Thus at the feast in the great high-roofed house,
neighbors and kinsmen of famous Menelaus sat and
made merry. Among them sang the sacred bard and
touched his lyre ; a pair of dancers went whirling
down the middle as he began the song.
Now at the palace gate two youths and their horses
stopped, princely Telemachus and the proud son of
Nestor. Great Eteoneus came forth and saw them,
— he was a busy squire of famous Menelaus, — and
hastened through the hall to tell the shepherd of the
46 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 25-55.
people, and standing close beside him he said in
winged words :
" Here are two strangers, heaven-descended Mene-
laus, and they are like the seed of mighty Zeus. Say,
shall we unharness their swift horses, or shall we send
them forth for some one else to entertain ? "
Then, deeply moved, said light-haired Menelaus :
" You were no fool, Boethoiis' son, Eteoneus, before
this time, but now you chatter folly like a child ! Only
because as guests we often had our food of strangers,
are we here ; and we must look to Zeus henceforth to
keep us safe from harm. No ! take the hain3ss from
the strano'ers' horses and brino^ the men themselves
within to share our feast."
He spoke, and Eteoneus hastened along the hall
and called on other busy squires to follow. They
took the sweating horses from the yoke, tied them
securely at the mangers, threw them some corn and
mixed therewith white barley, then tipped the chariot
up against the bright face-wall, and brought the men
into the lordly house. And they, beholding, marveled
at the dwelling of the heaven-descended king ; for a
sheen as of the sun or moon played through the high-
roofed house of famous Menelaus. Now after they
had satisfied their eyes with gazing, they went to the
polished baths and bathed. And when the maids had
bathed them and anointed them with oil, and put
upon them fleecy coats and tunics, they took their
seats by Menelaus, son of Atreus. And water for
the hands a servant brought in a beautiful pitcher
made of gold, and poured it out over a silver basin
for their washing, and spread a polished table by
their side. Then the grave housekeeper brought
bread and placed before them, setting out food of
IV. 56-88.] THE ODYSSEY. 47
many a kind, freely giving of her store. The carver,
too, took platters of meat and placed before tliem,
meat of all kinds, and set their golden goblets ready.
And greeting the pair said light-haired Menelaus :
" Break bread, and have good cheer ! and by and
by when you have eaten, we will ask what men you
are. Surely the parent line sulfers no loss in you ;
but you are of some line of heaven-descended sceptred
kings. For common men have no such children."
So saying, he set before them fat slices of a chine
of beef, taking up in his hands the roasted flesh
which had been placed before him as the piece of
honor ; and on the food spread out before them they
laid hands. But after they had stayed desire for
drink and food, Telemachus said to Nestor's son, —
his head bent close, that others might not hear :
'' Ο son of Nestor, my heart's delight, notice the
blaze of bronze throughout the echoing halls, the gold,
the amber, silver, and ivory ! The court of Olympian
Zeus within must be like this. What untold wealth
is here ! I am amazed to see."
What he was saying light -haired Menelaus over-
heard, and speaking in winged words he said : " Dear
children, no ! No mortal man could vie with Zeus ;
eternal are his halls and his possessions ; but one of
humankind to vie with me in wealth there may or
may not be. Through many woes and wanderings I
brought it in my ships, and I was eight years on the
way. Cyprus, Phoenicia, Egypt, I wandered over ; I
came to the Ethiopian^, Sidonians, and Erembians,
and into Libya, where the lambs are full-horned at
their birth. Three times a year the flocks bear young.
No prince or peasant there lacks cheese, meat, or
sweet milk, but the ewes always give their milk the
48 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 89-120.
whole year round. While I was gathering there-
abouts much wealth and wandering on, a stranger
slew my brother while off his guard, by stealth, and
through the craft of his accursed wife. Here too
I have no joy as lord of my possessions. But from
your fathers you will have heard that tale, whoever
they may be ; for great was my affliction, and deso-
late my house which once stood fair and stored with
many blessings. Would I were here at home with but
the third part of my wealth, and they were safe to-day
who fell on the plain of Troy, far off from grazing
Argos ! But no ! and for them all I often grieve and
mourn when sitting in my halls. Now with a sigh I
ease my heart, then check myself ; soon comes a sur-
feit of benumbing sorrow. Yet in my grief it is not
all I so much mourn as one alone, who makes me
loathe my sleep and food when I remember him ; for
no Achaean met the contests that Odysseus met and
won. And still on him it was appointed woe should
fall, and upon me a ceaseless pain because of him ;
so long he tarries, whether alive or dead we do not
know. For him now mourn the old Laertes, steadfast
Penelope, and Telemachus, whom he left at home a
new-born child."
So he spoke, and stirred in Telemachus yearnings
to mourn his father. Tears from his eyelids dropped
upon the ground when he heard his father's name,
and he held with both his hands his purple cloak be-
fore his eyes. This Menelaus noticed, and hesitated
in his mind and heart whether to leave him to make
mention of his father or first to question him and
prove him through and through.
While he tlius doubted in his mind and heart, forth
from her fragrant high-roofed chamber Helen came,
IV. 121-155.] THE ODYSSEY. 49
like gOlden-shafted Artemis. For her, Adraste i3laced
a carveu chair ; Alcippe brought a covering of soft
wool, and Phylo a silver basket which Alcandra gave,
the wife of Polybus, who lived at Thebes in Egypt,
where abundant wealth is in the houses. He gave to
Menelaus two silver bath-tubs, a pair of kettles, and
ten talents of gold. And then, besides, his wife gave
Helen beautiful gifts ; she gave a golden distaff and a
basket upon rollers, fashioned of silver, and its rim
finished with gold. This her attendant Phylo now
brought and set beside her, filled with a fine-spun
yarn ; across it lay the distaff, charged with dark wool.
Seated upon her chair, — upon whose lower part there
was a rest for feet, — she straightway questioned thus
her husband closely :
"Do we know, heaven - descended Menelaus, who
these men here assert themselves to be ? Shall I dis-
guise my thought or speak it plainly ? My heart bids
speak. None have I ever seen, I think, so like another
— no man, no woman ; amazed am I to see ! — as
this man here is like the son of brave Odysseus, even
like Telemachus, whom his father left at home a new-
born child, when you Achaeans, for the sake of worth-
less me, came under the walls of Troy, eager for val-
orous fighting."
Then, answering her, said light-haired Menelaus :
" Now I too note it, wife, even as you suggest ; such
were Odysseus' feet and hands, his turn of eye, his
head, and hair above. And even now, as I began to
call to mind Odysseus and to tell what grievous toils
he bore in my behalf, this youth let fall a bitter tear
from under his brows and held his purple cloak be-
fore his eyes."
Then Nestor's son, Peisistratus, made answer : " Ο
50 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 156-187.
son of Atreus, beaven-clescended Menelans, leader of
hosts, this is in truth his son, as you have said ; but he
is modest and too bashful in his heart to make display
of talk on his first coming here, before you too, whose
voice we both enjoy as if it were a god's. The Gerenian
horseman, Nestor, sent me forth to be his guide ; for
he desired to see you, hoping that you might give him
aid by word or deed. Ah, many a grief the son of an
absent father meets at home, when other helpers are
not by. So with Telemachus; the one is gone, and
others there are none throughout the land to ward off
iU."
Then, answering him, said light - haired Menelaus :
" AVhat ! Is there then within my house the son of
one so dear, one who for me bore many a conflict ! I
used to say I should rejoice over his coming home far
more than over that of all the other ArgiΛ^es, if through
the seas Olympian far-seeing Zeus let our swift ships
find passage. In Argos I would have granted him a
city, and would here have built his house, and I would
have brought him out of Ithaca, — him and his goods,
his child, and all his people, — clearing its dwellers
from some single city that lies within my neighbor-
hood and owns me as its lord. So living here we had
been much together ; and nothing further could have
parted then our joyous friendship till death's dark
cloud closed round. But God himself must have been
envious of a life like this, and made that hapless man
alone to fail of coming."
So he spoke, and stirred in all a yearning after tears.
Then Argive Helen wej^t, the child of Zeus ; Telema-
chus too wept, and Menelaus, son of Atreus ; nor yet
did Nestor's son keep his eyes tearless. For in his
mind he mused on good Antilochus, whom the illus-
IV. 188-220.] THE ODYSSEY. 51
trious son of the bright dawn had slain. Remembering
whom, he spoke in winged words :
" Ο son of Atreus, that you were wise beyond the
wont of men old Nestor used to say, when we would
mention you at home, talking with one another. And
now if it is well, give heed to me ; for after a feast
I do not like to sit and grieve. There is to-mor-
row. Not that I think it ill to weep for one who
dies, when he has met his doom. It is the only honor
sorrowing men can pay, to cut the hair and let the tear
fall down the cheek. A brother of mine once died, one
not the meanest of the Argives. You must have
known him. I never myself looked on his face and
never knew him ; but Antilochus, they say, was very
swift of foot, a famous fighter."
Then answering him said light-haired Menelaus :
" Friend, you have said just what a man of understand-
ing might say and even do, were he indeed your elder ;
for sprung from such a father you too talk with un-
derstanding. Easily is his offspring known to whom
the son of Kronos allots a boon in birth and marriage.
And thus has he blessed Nestor continually, all his
days, granting him hale old age at home and children
who are youths of wisdom, mighty with the spear.
Let us then check the lamentation which arose a while
ago and turn once more to feasting. Let them pour
water on our hands. Again, to-morrow, for Telema-
chus and me there will be tales to tell."
He spoke, and Asphalion poured water on their
hands, — he was a busy squire of famous Menelaus,
- — then on the food spread out before them tbey laid
hands.
Now elsewhere Helen turned her thoughts, the child
of Zeus. Straightway she cast into the wine of which
52 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 221-251.
they drank a drug which quenches pain and strife and
brings forgetfulness of every ill. He who should taste
it, mingled in the bowl, would not that day let tears
fall down his cheeks although his mother and his
father died, although before his door a brother or dear
son fell by the sword and his own eyes beheld. Such
cunning drugs had the daughter of Zeus, drugs of a
healing virtue, which Polydamna gave, the wife of
Thon, in Egypt, where the fruitful soil yields drugs of
every kind, some that when mixed are healing, others
deadly. There every one is a physician, skillful be-
yond all humankind ; for they are of the race of
Paeon. So after she had cast the drug into the bowl
and bidden pour, then once more taking up the word,
she said ;
" Heaven-descended son of Atreus, Menelaus, and
you too, you sons of worthy men, though Zeus to one
in one way, to another in another, distributes good
and ill and is almighty, yet for the present sit and
feast within the hall and cheer yourselves with tales.
One fitting well the time I will relate. Fully I can-
not tell, nor even name the many feats of hardy
Odysseus. But this is the sort of deed that brave
man did and dared there in the Trojan land where
you Achaeans suffered. Marring himself with cruel
blows, casting a wretched garment round his shoul-
ders, and looking like a slave, he entered the wide-
wayed city of his foes ; and other than his own true
self he made himself appear in this disguise, even like
a beggar, far as he was from such an one at the
Achaean ships. In such a guise, he entered the Tro-
jans' town ; they took no notice, one and all ; I alone
knew him for the man he was and questioned him.
He shrewdly tried to foil me. But after I had bathed
i2-285.] THE ODYSSEY. 53
α and anointed him with oil and given him cloth-
^, when I had sworn a solemn oath not to make
.nown Odysseus to the Trojans till he should reach
the swift ships and the huts of the Achaeans, then he
described the whole Achaean plot. So, slaying many
Trojans with his trenchant sword, he went off to the
Argives and carried back much knowledge. Thereat
the other Trojan women raised a loud lament. My
soul was glad ; for my heart already turned toward
going home again, and I would mourn the blindness
Aphrodite brought when she lured me thither from
my native land and bade me leave my daughter, my
chamber, and my husband, — a man who lacked for
nothing, either in mind or person."
Then, answering her, said light-haired Menelaus:
" Yes, all your tale, my wife, is told right well. I
have in days gone by tested the wisdom and the will
of many heroes, and I have traveled over many
lands ; but never have I beheld a soul so true as
hardy Odysseus. This also is the sort of deed that
brave man did and dared within the wooden horse
where all we Argive chiefs were lying, bearing to the
Trojans death and doom. Erelong you passed that
way, — some god must have impelled you who sought
to bring the Trojans honor ; godlike De'iphobus was
following after. Thrice walking round our hollow
ambush, touching it here and there, you called by
name the Danaan chiefs, feigning the voice of every
Argive's wife. Now I and the son of Tydeus and
royal Odysseus, crouched in the middle, heard your
call, and we two, starting up, were minded to go forth,
or else to answer straightway from within ; but Odys-
seus held us back and stayed our madness. Then
all the other sons of the Achaeans held their peace.
54 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 2δ
Anticlus only was determined to make answer to y
words ; but Odysseus firmly closed his mouth with
strong hands, and so saved all the Achaeans. A.
through that time he held him thus, till Pallas Athene
led you off."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Ο son
of Atreus, heaven - descended Menelaus, leader of
hosts, so much the harder is it ; all was of no avail
against a mournful death, though an iron heart was
his. Nay, bring us to our beds, that so at last, lulled
in sweet sleep, we be at ease."
He spoke, and Argive Helen bade the maids to set
a bed beneath the portico, to lay upon it beautiful pur-
ple rugs, spread blankets over these, and then place
woolen mantles on the outside for a covering. So the
maids left the hall, with torches in their hands, and
spread the bed ; and a page led forth the strangers.
Thus in the porch slept prince Telemachus and the
illustrious son of Nestor. But the son of Atreus
slept in the recess of the high hall, and by him long-
robed Helen lay, a queen of women.
Soon as the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared,
Menelaus, good at the war-cry, rose from bed, put on
his clothes, slung his sharp sword about his shoulder,
under his shining feet bound his fair sandals, and
came forth from his chamber in bearing like a god.
Then seating himself beside Telemachus, he thus ad-
dressed him, saying :
"What is it that has brought you here, my lord
Telemachus, to sacred Lacedaemon on the broad
ocean-ridges ? A public need or private ? Tell me
the very truth."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Ο son of
Atreus, heaven-descended Menelaus, leader of hosts.
IV. 317-350.] THE ODYSSEY. 55
I came to see if you could tell me tidings of my father.
My home is swallowed up, my rich estate is wasted ;
with men of evil hearts my house is filled, men who
continually butcher my thronging flocks and swing-
paced, crook-horned oxen, — the suitors of my mother,
overweening in their pride. Therefore I now come
hither to your knees to ask if you will tell me of my
father's mournful death, in case you saw it for your-
self with your own eyes or from some other heard
the story of his wanderings ; for to exceeding grief his
mother bore him. Use no mild word nor yield to
pity from regard for me, but tell me fully all you
chanced to see. I do entreat you, if ever my father,
good Odysseus, in word or deed kept covenant with
you there in the Trojan land where you Achaeans suf-
fered, be mindful of it now ; tell me the very truth."
Then, deeply moved, said light-haired Menelaus:
" Heavens ! In a very brave man's bed they sought
to lie, the weaklings ! As when in the den of a strong
lion a hind has laid asleep her new-born sucking fawns,
then roams the slopes and grassy hollows seeking
food, and by and by into his lair the lion comes and
on both hind and fawns brings ghastly doom ; so shall
Odysseus bring a ghastly doom on these. Ah, father
Zeus, Athene, and Apollo! if with the power he
showed one day in stately Lesbos, when he rose and
wrestled in a match with Philomeleides, and down he
threw him heavily, while the Achaeans all rejoiced, —
if as he was that day Odysseus now might meet the
suitors, they all would find quick turns of fate and
bitter rites of marriage. But as to what you ask thus
urgently, I λυΙΠ not turn to talk of other things, and
so deceive yon ; but what the unerring old man of the
sea told me, in not a word will I disguise or hide from
you.
56 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 351-381.
" At the river of Egypt, eager as I was to hasten
hither, the gods still held me back, because I did not
make the offerings due ; and the gods wish us ever to
be mindful of their precepts. Now in the surging sea
an island lies, — Pharos they call it, — distant as far
from the Egyptian stream as a hollow ship runs in a
day when a whistling wind blows after. By it there
lies a bay with a good anchorage, from which they
send the trim ships off to sea after supplying them
with drinking water. Here the gods kept me twenty
days ; not once came winds that blow along the sea
and serve for aid to ships on the broad ocean-ridges.
So all my stores would have been spent and my men's
courage, had not a certain goddess pitied and pre-
served me. This was Eidothea, the daughter of
mighty Proteus, the old man of the sea ; for I deeply
moved her heart as she met me on my solitary way
apart from my companions ; for they were ever roam-
ing round the island, fishing with crooked hooks, and
hunger pinched their bellies. She, drawing near me,
spoke and thus she said : 'Are you so very helpless,
stranger, and unnerved, or do you willingly give way,
taking a pleasure in your pains ? So long you have
been pent within the island, unable to discover an es-
cape, while fainter grows the courage of your com-
rades.'
" So she spoke, and answering her said I : ' Then
let me tell you, whatsoever goddess you may be, that I
remain here through no will of mine, but I must have
given offense to the immortals, who hold the open sky.
Rather tell me, — for gods know all, — which of the
immortals chains me here and bars my progress ; and
tell me of my homeward way, how I may pass along
the swarming sea.'
IV. 382^13.] THE ODYSSEY. 57
" So I spoke, and straight the heavenly goddess an-
swered : ' \Yell, stranger, I will plainly tell you all.
There haunts this place a certain old man of the sea,
unerring and immortal, Proteus of Egypt, who knows
the depths of every sea, and is Poseidon's minister.
He is, men say, my father, who begot me. If you
could only lie in wait and seize on him, he would
tell you of your course, the stages of your journey,
and of your homeward way, how you may pass along
the swarming sea. And he would tell you, heaven-
descended man, if you desire, all that has happened
at your home, of good or ill, while you have wandered
on your long and toilsome way.'
" So she spoke, and answering her said I : ' Do you
instruct me how to lie in wait for the old god, lest he
foreseeing or foreknowing may escape. Hard is a god
for mortal man to master.'
" So I spoke, and straight the heavenly goddess
answered : ' Well, stranger, I will truly tell you all.
AYhen now the sun has reached mid-heaven, forth from
the water comes the unerring old man of the sea at a
13uff of the west wind and veiled in the dark ripple.
When he is come, he lays him down under the caverned
cliffs ; while round him seals, the brood of a fair sea
nymph, huddle and sleep, on rising from the foaming
water, and pungent is the scent they breathe of the
unfathomed sea. There will I bring you at the dawn
of day and lay you in the line. Meantime do you
choose carefully for comrades the three best men you
have among the well-benched ships. And I will tell
you all the old man's magic arts. First he will count
the seals and go their round ; and when he has told
them off by fives and found them all, he will lie down
among them like a shepherd with his flock. As soon
58 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 414-446.
as you see him sleeping, summon all your might and
main and hold him fast, although he strive and strug-
gle to escape. He will make trial of you, turning into
whatsoever moves on earth, to water even, and heaven-
kindled fire ; yet hold unflinchingly and clasp the
more. But when at length he questions you in his
own shape, — in the same shape as when you saw him
sleeping, — then, hero, cease from violence and set the
old man free, but ask what god afflicts you, and ask
about your homeward way, how you may pass along
the swarming sea.'
"■ Saying this, she plunged into the surging sea. I to
the ships which lay along the sands turned me away,
and as I went my heart grew very dark. But when I
came to the ship and to the sea and we had made our
supper and the immortal night drew near, we laid us
down to sleep upon the beach. Then as the early
rosy-fingered dawn appeared, along the shore of the
wide-stretching sea I went with many supplications to
the gods. I took three comrades with me, men whom
I trusted most in every undertaking.
" She, in the mean time, having plunged into the
sea's broad bosom, brought from the deep four skins
of seals ; all were fresh-flayed ; and she prepared the
plot against her father. She had scooped hollows in
the sands, and sat awaiting us. Near her we drew.
She made us all lie down in order and threw a skin
on each. Then might our ambuscade have proved a
hard one ; for the pestilent stench of the sea-born seals
oppressed us sorely. And who would make his bed
beside a monster of the sea ? But she preserved us
and contrived for us great ease. Under the nose of
each she set ambrosia, very sweet of smell, and this de-
stroyed the creature's stench. So all the morning did
IV. 447-479.] THE ODYSSEY. 59
we wait with patient hearts. At last the seals came
trooping from the sea and soon lay down in order on
the beach. At noon out of the sea came the old man,
found his fat seals, Avent over all, and told their num-
ber, telling us first among the creatures, and never in
his heart suspected there was fraud. At length he too
lay down. Then with a shout we sprang and threv/
our arms about him, and the old man did not forget
his crafty wiles : for first he turned into a bearded lion,
then to a di:agon, leopard, and huge boar ; he turned
into liquid water, into a branching tree ; still we held
firm, with patient hearts. But when at last the old
man wearied, skillful though he was in magic arts, in
open speech he questioned me and said :
" ' Which of the gods, Ο son of Atreus, aided your
plot to seize me here against my will, by ambuscade ?
What would you have ? '
" So he spoke, and answering him said I : ' You
know, old man, — why put me off with such a question?
— how long a time I am confined upon this island, un-
able to discover an escape, while fainter grows my
heart within. Eather tell me, — for gods know all, —
which of the immortals chains me here and bars my
progress ; and tell me of my homeward way, how I
may pass along the swarming sea.'
'' So I spoke, and straightway answering me said
he: 'Nay, but to Zeus and to the other gods you
should have made good offerings on setting forth, if
you would quickly reach your land, sailing the wine-
dark sea; for now it is appointed you to see your
friends no more nor reach your stately house and na=
tive land till you have gone again to Egypt's waters,
to its heaven-descended stream, and offered sacred
hecatombs to the immortal gods who hold the open
60 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 480-511.
sky. Then shall the gods grant you the course which
you desire.'
" As thus he spoke, ray very soul was crushed
within me because he bade me cross again the misty
sea and go to Egypt's river, a long and weary way.
Yet still I answered thus and said: 'Old man, all
that you bid me I will do. Only declare me this and
plainly tell, did all the Achaeans with their ships re-
turn unharmed, whom Nestor and I left on our set-
ting forth from Troy? Did any die by grievous death
at sea or in the arms of friends when the skein of war
was wound ? '
" So I spoke, and straightway answering me said
he : ' Son of Atreus, why question me of this ? Bet-
ter it were you should not see nor comprehend my
knowledge ; for certainly you wall not long be free
from tears after you learn the truth. Yes, many were
cut off and many spared. Of leaders, only two among
the mailed Achaeans died on the journey home, — as
for the battle, you yourself were there, — and one, still
living, lingers yet on the wide sea. Ajax was lost, he
and his long-oared ships. At first Poseidon wrecked
him on the great rocks of Gyrae, but saved him from
the sea. And so he might have escaped his doom,
though hated by Athene, had he not uttered overween-
ing words, puffed up with pride ; for he said he had
escaped the great gulf of the sea in spite of gods.
Poseidon heard his haughty boasting, and straightway,
grasping the trident in his sturdy hands, he smote the
rock of Gyrae, splitting it open. One part still held
its place ; the broken piece fell in the sea. It was
on this Ajax at first had sat, puffed up w4th pride.
It bore him down into the boundless surging deep.
So there he died, drinking the briny water.
IV. 512-543.] THE ODYSSEY. 61
" ' Your brother escaped liis doom and came in
safety, he and his hollow shij)s ; for powerful Here
saved him. But when he was about to reach the
steep height of Maleia, a sweeping storm bore him
once more along the swarming sea, loudly lamenting,
to the confines of that country where Thyestes dwelt
in former days, but where now dwelt Thyestes' son,
Aegisthus. And when at last from this point on his
course was clear of danger, and the gods changed
the wind about and home they came, then with rejoi-
cing did he tread his country's soil, and he kissed
and clasped that soil ; and from him many hot tears
fell, for he saw the land with gladness. But from a
tower a watchman spied him, whom wily Aegisthus
posted there and promised him for pay two talents
of gold. He had been keeping guard throughout
the year, lest unobserved the king might come and
try the force of arms. He hastened to the house to
tell the shepherd of the people, and soon Aegisthus
planned his treacherous craft. Selecting twenty of
the bravest in the land, he laid an ambush ; and just
across the hall bade that a feast be spread. Then he
went to welcome Agamemnon, the shepherd of the
people, with horses and with chariots, while medita-
ting crimes. He led him up unheeding to his death
and slew him at the feast, even as one kills the ox be-
fore the manger. Not a follower of the son of Atreus
lived, nor a follower of Aegisthus ; all died within the
hall.'
" As thus he spoke, my very soul was crushed
within me, and sitting on the sands I fell to weeping ;
my heart no longer cared to live and see the sunshine.
But when of weeping and of writhing I had had my
fill, then said the unerring old man of the sea : ' Do
62 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 544-576.
not, Ο son of Atreus, long and unceasingly tlius weep,
because we know there is no remedy. Seek rather
with all speed to reach your native land ; for either
you will find Aegisthus still alive, or Orestes will have
slain him, so forestalling you, and you may join the
funeral feast.'
" So he spoke, and the heart and sturdy spirit in
my breast through all my grief again grew warm ;
and speaking in winged words I said : ' Of these men
then I know, but name the third who still alive lin-
gers on the wide sea ; or be he dead, spite of my grief
I fain would hear.'
" So I spoke, and straightway answering me said
he : 'It is Laertes' son, whose home is Ithaca. I saw
him on an island, letting the big tears fall, in the
hall of the nymph Calypso, who holds him there by
force. No power has he to reach his native land, for
he has no ships fitted with oars, nor crews to bear him
over the broad ocean-ridges. As for yourseK, heaven-
favored Menelaus, it is not destined you shall die and
meet your doom in grazing Argos ; but to the Ely-
sian plain and the earth's limits the immortal gods
shall bring you, where fair-haired Rhadamanthus
dwells. Here utterly at ease passes the life of men.
No snow is here, no winter long, no rain, but the loud-
blowing breezes of the west the Ocean-stream sends
up to bring men coolness ; for you have Helen and
are counted son-in-law of Zeus.'
" Saying this, he plunged into the surging sea. I
with my gallant comrades turned to our ships, and as
I went my heart grew very dark. But when we came
to the ship and to the sea, and we had made our sup-
per, and the immortal night drew near, we laid us
down to sleep upon the beach. Then as the early rosy-
IV. 577-610.] THE ODYSSEY. 63
fingered dawn appeared, we in the first place launched
our ships into the sacred sea, put masts and sails in
the trim ships, the men embarked themselves, took
places at the pins, and sitting in order smote the
foaming water with their oars. So back again to
Egypt's waters, to its heaven-descended stream, I
brought my ships and made the offerings due. And
after appeasing the anger of the gods that live for-
ever, I raised a mound to Agamemnon, that his fame
might never die. This done, I sailed away ; the gods
gave wind and brought me swiftly to my native land.
But come, remain awhile here at my hall until eleven
or twelve days pass. Then I will send you forth
with honor, giving you splendid gifts, three horses
and a polished car. Moreover, I will give a goodly
chalice, that as you pour libations to the immortal
gods you may be mindful all your days of me."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Ο son
of Atreus, keep me no long time here, though I could
be content to stay a year, and no desire for kindred
or for home would ever come ; for I find a wonderful
pleasure in hearing your tales and talk. But already
friends at hallowed Pylos are uneasy, and you still
hold me here. As for the gift that you WOuld give,
pray let it be some keepsake. Horses I will not take
to Ithaca, but leave them as an honor here for you ;
for you rule open plains, where lotus is abundant,
marsh-grass and wheat and corn, and the white broad-
eared barley. In Ithaca there are no open runs, no
meadows ; a land for goats, and pleasanter than graz-
ing country. Not one of the islands is a place to
drive a horse, none has good meadows, of all that rest
upon the sea ; Ithaca least of all."
He spoke, and Menelaus, good at the war-cry,
smiled, patted him Λ^^th his hand, and said :
64 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 611-641.
" Of noble blood you are, dear child, as your words
show. Yes, I will make the change, for well I can.
And out of all the gifts stored in my house as trea-
sures I will give you that which is most beautiful and
precious : I will give a well-wrought bowl. It is of
solid silver, its rim finished with gold, the work of
Hephaestus. Lord Phaedimus, the king of the Si-
donians, gave it to me, when his house sheltered me
upon my homeward way. And now to you I gladly
give it."
So they conversed together. But banqueters were
coming to the palace of the noble king. Men drove
up sheep, and brought the cheering wine, and their
veiled wives sent bread. Thus they were busied with
their dinner in the hall.
Meanwhile before the palace of Odysseus the sui-
tors were making merry, throwing the discus and the
hunting spear upon the level pavement, holding riot as
of old. Here sat Antinoiis and god-like Eurymachus,
the leaders of the suitors ; for they in manly excel-
lence were quite the best of all. To them Noemon,
son of Phronius, now drew near ; and questioning
Antinoiis thus he spoke :
" Antinoiis, do we know, or do we not, when Tele-
machus will come from sandy Pylos ? He took a ship
of mine and went away, and now I need her for cross-
ing to broad Elis where I keep my twelve brood mares.
The hardy mules, their foals, are still unbroken ; one
I would fetch away and break him in."
So he spoke. The others were amazed. They did
not think Telemachus was gone to Pylos, to the land
of Neleus ; they thought he still was somewhere at the
farm, among the flocks, or with the swineherd.
Then said Antinoiis, Eupeithes' son : " Tell me
IV. 642-672.] THE ODYSSEY. 65
precisely when he went and what young men were
with him. Picked men of Ithaca, or did he take his
hirelings and slaves ? That indeed he might do !
And tell me truly this, that I may know it well ; did
he with violence, against your will, take the black
ship ? Or did you give it willingly, because he
begged ? "
Then answered him Noemon, son of Phronius : " I
gave it willingly. IVhat could one do when a man
like him, with troubles on his heart, entreated ? Hard
would it be to keep from giving. The youths who
next to us are noblest in the land are his companions.
I marked their captain as he went on board, and it
was Mentor or a god exactly like him. Yet this is
strange. Here I saw noble Mentor yesterday in the
morning ; and there he was embarking on the ship for
Pylos."
So saying, he departed to his father's house. But
the proud spirits of the two were stirred. They made
the suitors seat themselves and stop their sports. And
then Antinoiis, Eupeithes' son, addressed them in dis-
pleasure. \Yith great passion was his dark soul filled.
His eyes were like bright fire.
" Well ! Well ! Here is a monstrous action im-
pudently brought to pass, this journey of Telemachus.
We said it should not be ; and here in spite of all of
us this young boy simply goes, launching a ship and
picking out the best men of the land. Before we
think, he will begin to be our bane. But may Zeus
blast his power before he reaches man's estate ! Come
then, and give me a swift ship with twenty comrades,
and I will lie in wait upon his way, and guard the
strait twixt Ithaca and rugged Samos. So to his grief
he cruises off to find his father." He spoke, and all
Q6 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 673-704.
approved and urged him on. And presently they rose
and entered the hall of Odysseus.
But now Penelope, no long time after, learned of
the plans on which the suitors' hearts were brooding.
For the page Medon told her, who overheard the plot
as he stood outside the court, while they within it
framed their scheme. He hastened through the palace
with the tidings to Penelope ; and as he crossed her
threshold Penelope thus spoke :
" Page, why have the lordly suitors sent you here ?
Was it to tell the maids of princely Odysseus to put
by work and lay their table ? Oh that they had not
wooed or gathered here, or that they here to-day
might eat their last and latest meal ! You troop about
and squander all our living, even all the estate of
wise Telemachus. To your fathers of old you gave
no heed when you w^ere children, nor heard what sort
of man Odysseus was among your elders, how he did
no wrong by deed or word to any in the land. And
that is the common way with high-born kings ; one
man they hate and love another. But he wrought no
iniquity to any man. Yet what your disposition is,
and what your shameful deeds, is plain to see. There
is no gratitude for good deeds done."
Then Medon spoke, a man of understanding : " Ah,
Queen, I would that were our greatest ill ; but
weightier matters yet, a sorer evil, the suitors now
propose — which may the son of Kronos hinder!
They have resolved to slay Telemachus with the keen
sword, as he sails home. He went away for tidings
of his father, to hallowed Pylos and to sacred Lace-
daemon."
As he thus spoke, her knees grew feeble and her
very soul. Long time a speechless stupor held her ;
IV. 705-736.] THE ODYSSEY. 67
her two eyes filled with tears, her full voice stayed.
But at the last she answered thus and said : " Page,
why is my child gone ? AYhat need had he to mount
the coursing ships, which serve men for sea-horses and
cross the mighty flood? AYas it to leave no name
among men here ? "
Then answered Medon, that man of understanding :
" I do not know whether a god impelled him, or if his
own heart stirred within to go to Pylos, to gather
tidings of his father's coming or there to learn what
fate he met."
So saying, he departed along the hall of Odysseus.
But upon her heart-eating anguish fell. No longer
had she power to sit upon a chair, though many were
in the room, but down she sank upon the floor of her
rich chamber, pitifully moaning. Round about, her
maids were sobbing — all her household, young and
old. And with repeated ci-ies, Penelope thus spoke :
*' Listen, dear maids ! Surely the Olympian gSLve
me exceeding sorrow, beyond all women born and
bred my mates. For I in former days lost my good
husband, a man of lion heart, for every excellence
honored among the Danaans — good man ! his fame
is wide throuoh Hellas and mid-Aro-os. Moreover
now my darling son the winds have snatched away,
silently, from my halls ; I heard not of his going.
Hard-hearted maids I No one of you took thought to
rouse me from my bed, though well your own hearts
knew when he embarked on the black hollow ship.
Ah, had I learned that he w^as purposing this jour-
ney, surely he would have stayed, however eager for
the journey, or else he should have left me dead
within the hall. But now let some one haste and call
old Dolius, the slave my father gave when I came here,
68 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 737-767.
who tends my orchard trees ; that he may quickly go,
seat himself by Laertes and, telling all, learn if Laer-
tes can devise a way to come before the people and
cry out against the men who seek to crush his race
and that of great Odysseus."
Then answered her the good nurse Eurycleia :
" Dear lady, slay me with the ruthless sword or leave
me in the hall ; I will not hide my story. I knew of
all. I gave him what he wanted, bread and sweet
wine. But he exacted from me a solemn oath to
speak no word to you until twelve days were past,
or until you should miss him and hear that he was
gone, that so you might not stain your beautiful face
with tears. Now therefore bathe, and putting on
fresh garments, go to your upper chamber with your
maids, and offer prayer to Athene, daughter of aegis-
bearing Zeus ; for thus she may preserve him safe
from death. Yex not an old man, vexed already.
Surely I cannot think the Arceisian line is wholly
hateful to the blessed gods. Nay, one shall still sur-
vive to hold the high-roofed house and the fat fields
around."
She spoke, and lulled the other's cries and stayed
her eyes from tears. Penelope bathed, and putting
on fresh garments went to her upper chamber with
her maids, took barley in a basket, and thus she
prayed Athene :
" Hear me, thou child of segis-bearing Zeus, un-
wearied one I If ever wise Odysseus when at home
burned the fat thighs of ox or sheep to thee, thereof
be mindful now ; preserve me my dear son. Guard
him against the cruel suitors' wrongs."
Thus having said, she raised the cry, and the god-
dess heard her prayer. But the suitors broke into
IV. 7G8-801.] THE ODYSSEY. by
uproar up and down the dusky hall, and a rude youth
would say : " Ha, ha ! at last the long-wooed queen
makes ready for our marriage. Little she thinks that
for her son death is in waiting." So they would say,
but knew not how things were.
And now Antinoiis addressed them, saying : " Good
sirs, bew^are of haughty talk of every kind, or some
one may report it indoors too. Come, rather, let us
rise and quietly as we may let us effect the scheme
which pleased the hearts of all."
So saying, he chose the twenty fittest men, who
went to the swift ship and to the shore. They in the
first place launched the ship into deep water, put
mast and sail in the black ship, fitted the oars into
their leathern slings, all in due order, and up aloft
spread the white sail. Stately squires carried their
armor. Out in the stream they moored the boat, they
themselves disembarked, took supper there, and waited
for the evening to come on.
But in her upper chamber heedful Penelope still
lay fasting, tasting neither food nor drink, anxious
whether her gentle son would escape death, or by the
audacious suitors be borne down ; as doubts a lion in
a crowd of men, in terror as they draw the crafty cir-
cle round him. To iier in such anxiety sweet slumber
came, and lying back she slept and every joint re-
laxed.
Now a new plan the goddess formed, clear-eyed
Athene. She shaped a phantom fashioned in a wo-
man's form, even like Iphthime, daughter of brave
Icarius, her whom Eumelus married, that had his
home at Pherae. And this she sent to the house of
princely Odysseus, that it might make Penelope,
mourning and sighing now, cease from her griefs and
70 THE ODYSSEY. [IV. 802-834.
tearful cries. It came into tlie chamber past the bolt-
strap, stood by her head and thus addressed her :
"Are you asleep, Penelope, dear troubled heart?
No, never shall the gods that live at ease leave you
to weep and pine ; for still your son is destined to re=
turn, since in the gods' sight he is no trangressor."
Then answered heedful Penelope, very sweetly slum-
bering at the gates of dreams : " Why, sister, have you
come ? You never before were with me, because your
home is very far away. And you bid me cease from
grief and all the pangs that vex my mind and heart,
me who in former days lost my good husband, a man
of lion heart, for every excellence honored among the
Danaans — good man I his fame is wide through Hel-
las and mid-Argos. Moreover now my darling son is
gone on a hollow ship, a mere boy too, but little
skilled in cares and counsels. Therefore for him I
mourn even more than for that other. For him I
tremble, and I fear that he may meet with ill, either
from those within the land where he is gone, or on
the sea. For many evil-minded men now plot against
him and seek to cut him off before he gains his native
land."
And answering her, said the dim phantom : " Take
heart, and be not in your mind too sore afraid. So
true a guide goes with him as other men have prayed
for aid — for powerful is she — Pallas Athene. See-
ing you grieve, she pities you, and it was she who sent
me here to tell you so."
Then heedful Penelope said to her : " If you are a
god and have obeyed some heavenly bidding, come
tell me also of that hapless one, if he still lives and
sees the sunshine ; or is he now already dead and in
the house of Hades ? "
IV. 835-847.] THE ODYSSEY. 71
And answering her, said the dim phantom : " Of
him I will not speak at length, be he alive or dead.
To speak vain words is ill."
So saying, it glided past the door-post's bolt into
the airy breezes. And out of sleep awoke Icarius'
daughter, and her very soul was warmed, so clear a
dream was sent her in the dead of night.
Meanwhile the suitors, embarking in their ship, sailed
on their watery journey, purposing in their minds the
speedy murder of Telemachus. Now in mid-sea there
is a rocky island, midway from Ithaca to rugged
Samos — Star Islet called — of no great size. It
has a harbor, safe for ships, on either side ; and here
it was the Achaeans waited, watching.
THE RAFT OF ODYSSEUS.
Dawn from her coucli by higli Tithonus rose to
bring light to immortals and to men ; and now the
gods sat down to council. With them was Zeus, who
thunders from on high, whose power is over all ; and
to them Athene, ever mindful of Odysseus, told of his
many woes ; for she was troubled by his stay at the
dwelling of the nymph.
"O Father Zeus, and all you blessed gods that
live forever, never again let sceptred king in all sin-
cerity be kind and gentle, nor let him in his mind
heed righteousness. Let him instead ever be stern
and work unrighteous deeds ; since none remembers
princely Odysseus among the people whom he ruled,
kind father though he was. Upon an island now he
lies, deeply distressed, at the hall of the nymph Ca-
lypso, who holds him there by force. No power has
he to reach his native land, for he has no ships fitted
with oars, nor crews to bear him over the broad ocean-
ridges. Now, too, men seek to slay his darling son,
as he sails home. He went away for tidings of his
father, to hallowed Pylos and to sacred Lacedaemon."
Then answering, said cloud-gathering Zeus ; " My
child, what word has passed the barrier of your teeth ?
For was it not yourself proposed the plan to have
Odysseus crush these men by his return ? As for
Telemachus, aid him upon his way with wisdom, —
V. 2δ-ο6.] THE ODYSSEY. 73
as you can, — that he may come unharmed to his own
native land, and the suitors in their ship may be turned
back again."
He spoke, and said to Hermes, his dear son :
" Hermes, since you in all things are my messenger,
tell to the fair-haired nymph our steadfast purpose,
that hardy Odysseus shall go forth upon his homeward
way, not with gods' guidance nor with that of mortal
man ; but by himself, beset with sorrows, on a strong-
built raft, he shall in twenty days reach fertile Scheria,
the land of the Phaeacians, who are kinsmen of the
gods. There shall they greatly honor him, as if he
were a god, and bring him on his way by ship to his
own native land, giving him stores of bronze and gold
and clothing, more than Odysseus would have won from
Troy itself, had he returned unharmed with his due
share of spoil. Thus, then, it is his lot to see his
friends and reach his high-roofed house and native
land."
So he spoke, and the guide, the Speedy-comer, did
not disobey ; forthwith under his feet he bound his
beautiful sandals, immortal, made of gold, which carry
him over the flood and over the boundless land swift
as a breath of wind. He took the wand with which
he charms to sleep the eyes of whom he will, while
again whom he will he wakens out of slumber. With
this in hand, the powerful Speedy-comer began his
flight. On coming to Pieria, out of the upper air
he dropped down on the deep and skimmed along the
water like a bird, a gull, which down the fearful hol-
lows of the barren sea, snatching at fish, dips its thick
plumage in the spray. In such wise, through the mul-
titude of waves, moved Hermes. But when he neared
the distant island, there turning landward from the
74 THE ODYSSEY. [V. o7-S9.
dark blue sea, he walked until he came to a great
grotto where dwelt the fair-haired nymph. He found
she was within. Upon the hearth a great fire blazed,
and far along the island the fragrance of cleft cedar
and of sandal-wood sent perfume as they burned. In-
doors, and singing with sweet voice, she tended her loom
and wove with golden shuttle. Around the grotto,
trees grew luxuriantly, alder and poplar and sweet-
scented cypress, where long-Λvinged birds had nests, —
owls, hawks, and sea-crows ready-tongued, that ply
their business in the waters. Here too was trained
over the hollow grotto a thrifty vine, luxuriant with
clusters ; and four springs in a row were running with
clear water, making their way from one another here
and there. On every side soft meadows of violet
and parsley bloomed. Here, therefore, even an im-
mortal who should come might gaze at what he saw,
and in his heart be glad. Here stood and gazed the
guide, the Speedy-comer. Then after he had gazed to
his heart's fill on all, straightway he entered the wide-
mouthed grotto, and at a glance Calypso, the heavenly
goddess, failed not to know it was he ; for not un-
known to one another are immortal gods, although
they have their dwellings far apart. But brave Odys-
seus he did not find within ; for he sat weeping on the
shore, where, as of old, with tears and groans and
griefs racking his heart, he watched the barren
sea and poured forth tears. And now Calypso, the
heavenly goddess, questioned Hermes, seating him on
a handsome, shining chair :
" Pray, Hermes of the golden wand, why are you
come, honored and welcome though you are ? You
were not often with me hitherto. Speak what you
have in mind ; my heart bids me to do it, if I can do
V. 90-124.] THE ODYSSEY. 75
it and it is a thing that can be done. But follow me
first, and let me give you entertainment."
So saying, the goddess laid a table, loading it with
ambrosia and mixing ruddy nectar ; and so the guide,
the Speedy-comer, drank and ate. But when he had
eaten dinner and stayed his heart with food, then thus
he answered her and said :
" Goddess, you question me, a god, about my com-
ing hither, and I will truly tell my story as you bid.
Zeus ordered me to come, against my will. AYho of
his own accord would cross such stretches of salt sea ?
Interminable ! And no city of men at hand to make
an offering to the gods and bring them chosen heca-
tombs. Nevertheless the will of aegis-bearing Zeus
no god may cross or set at naught. He says a man
is with you, the most unfortunate of all who fought
for Priam's town nine years and in the tenth de-
stroyed the city and departed home. They on their
homeward way offended Athene, who raised ill winds
against them and a heavy sea. Thus all the rest of
his good comrades perished, but wind and water
brought him here. This is the man whom Zeus now
bids you send away, and quickly too, for it is not
ordained that he shall perish far from friends ; it is
his lot to see his friends once more and reach his high-
roofed house and native land."
As he said this. Calypso, the heavenly goddess,
shuddered, and speaking in winged words she said:
" Hard are you gods and envious beyond all, to grudge
the goddesses their meeting men in open wedlock, when
one makes the man she loves her husband. So when
rosy-fingered Dawn had chosen Orion, you gods that
live at ease grudged him to her, till in Ortygia chaste
gold-throned Artemis attacked and slew him with her
76 THE ODYSSEY. [V. 125-159.
gentle arrows. When, too, fair-haired Demeter, fol-
lowing her heart, lay with lasion in the thrice-
ploughed field, not long was Zeus unmindful ; for he
slew him, hurling his gleaming bolt. So now again,
you gods grudge me the mortal tarrying here. Yet
it was I who saved him, as he rode astride his keel
alone, when Zeus with a gleaming bolt smote his swift
ship and wrecked it in the middle of the wine-dark
sea. There all the rest of his good comrades perished,
but wind and water brought him here. I loved and
cherished him, and often said that I would make him
an immortal, young forever. But since the will of
aegis-bearing Zeus no god may cross or set at naught,
let him depart, if Zeus commands and bids it, over
the barren sea ! Only I will not aid him on his way,
for I have no ships fitted with oars, nor crews to bear
him over the broad ocean-ridges ; but I will freely
give him counsel and not hide how he may come
unharmed to his own native land."
Then said to her the guide, the Speedy-comer :
" Even so, then, let him go ! Beware the wrath of
Zeus ! Let not his anger by and by grow hot against
you!"
So saying, the powerful Speedy-comer went his way,
while the potent nymph hastened to brave Odysseus,
obedient to the words of Zeus. She found him sitting
on the shore, and from his eyes the tears were never
dried ; his sweet life ebbed away in longings for his
home, because the nymph pleased him no more. And
yet by night he always lay, though by constraint,
within the hollow grotto, unwilling by her willing
side ; but in the daytime, sitting on the rocks ai^d
sands, with tears and groans and griefs racking his
heart, he watched the barren sea and poured forth
tears. Now drawing near, the heavenly goddess said :
V. 160-191.] THE ODYSSEY. 11
" Unhappy man, sorrow no longer here, nor let
your days be wasted, for I at last will freely let you
go. Come, then, hew the long timbers and fashion
with your axe a broad-beamed raft ; build a high bul-
wark round, and let it bear you over the misty sea.
I will supply you bread, water, and the ruddy wine
you like, to keep off hunger ; I will provide you
clothing and will send a wind to follow, that you
may come unharmed to your own native land, — if
the gods will, who hold the open sky, for they are
mightier than I to purpose or fulfill."
As she said this, long-tried royal Odysseus shud-
dered, and speaking in winged words he said :
" Some other purpose, goddess, you surely have in
this than aid upon my way, when you thus bid me
cross on a raft that great gulf of the sea — terrible,
toilsome — which trim ships cannot cross, although
they speed so fast, glad in the breeze of Zeus. But I
will never, notwithstanding what you say, set foot
upon a raft till you consent, goddess, to swear a sol-
emn oath that you are not meaning now to plot me
further woe."
He spoke ; Calypso, the heavenly goddess, smiled,
caressed him with her hand and spoke thus, saying :
^' You are a cunning rogue, never inclined to folly !
How could you think of uttering such words ! Hear
this, then. Earth, and the broad Heaven above, and
thou down-flowing water of Styx ! — which is the
strongest and most dreaded oath among the blessed
gods, — I am not meaning now to plot you further
woe. Nay, that I have in mind, and that I here pro-
pose, which I would seek for my own good were such
need laid on me. Indeed, my thoughts are upright ;
no iron heart is in my breast, but one of pity."
78 THE ODYSSEY. [V. 192-224.
So saying, the heavenly goddess led the way in
haste, and he walked after in the footsteps of the god-
dess. And now to the hollow grotto came the god-
dess and the man, and he sat down upon the chair
whence Hermes had arisen. The nymph then set be-
fore him all food to eat and drink which men are
wont to use, and took her seat over against princely
Odysseus, while maids set forth for her ambrosia and
nectar ; then on the food spread out before them they
laid hands. So after they were satisfied with food
and drink, then thus began Calypso, the heavenly
goddess :
" High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, do
you so wish to go at once home to your native land ?
Farewell, then, even so ! But if at heart you knew
how many woes you must endure before you reach
that native land, you would remain with me, become
the guardian of my home, and be immortal, spite of
your wish to see your wife, whom you are always
longing for day after day. Yet not inferior to her I
count myself, either in form or stature. Surely it is
not likely that mortal women rival the immortals in
form and beauty."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Pow-
erful goddess, do riot be wroth at what I say. Full
well I know that heedful Penelope, compared with you,
is poor to look upon in height and beauty ; for she is
human, but you are an immortal, young forever. Yet
even so, I wish — yes, every day I long — to travel
home and see my day of coming. And if again one
of the gods shall wreck me on the wine-dark sea, I
will be patient still, bearing within my breast a heart
well-tried with trouble ; for in times past much have I
borne and much have toiled, in waves and war ; to
that, let this be added."
V. 225-259.] THE ODYSSEY. i>)
As he thus spoke, the sun went down and darkness
came ; and so the two, hid in the hollow grotto, joyed
in their love, abiding by each other.
Soon as the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared,
quickly Odysseus dressed in coat and tunic ; and the
nymph dressed herself in a long silvery robe, finespun
and graceful, she bound a beautiful golden gird!
round her waist, and put a veil upon her head. Then
she prepared to send forth brave Odysseus. She gave
him a great axe, which fitted well his hands ; it was an
axe of bronze, sharp on both sides, and had a beauti-
ful olive haadle, strongly fastened ; she gave him too
a polished adze. And now she led the way to the
farther shore of the island where the trees grew tall,
alder and poplar and sky-stretching pine, long-sea-
soned, very dry, that would float lightly. When she
had shown him where the trees grew tall, homeward
Calypso went, the heavenly goddess, while he began to
cut the logs. The work was quickly done. Twenty in
all he felled, and trimmed them with the axe, smoothed
them with skill, and leveled them to the line. Mean-
while, Calypso, the heavenly goddess, brought him au-
gers, and so he bored each piece and fitted all, and
then with pins and crossbeams fastened the whole to-
gether. As when a man skillful in carpentry lays out
the floor of a broad freight-ship, of such a size Odys-
seus built his broad-beamed raft. He raised a bul-
wark, set with many ribs, and finished with long tim-
bers on the top. He made a mast and sail-yard fitted
to it ; he made a rudder, too, with which to steer.
And then he caulked the raft from end to end with
willow withes, to guard against the water, and much
material he used. Meanwhile, Calypso, the heavenly
goddess, brought him cloth to make the sail, and well
80 THE ODYSSEY. [V. 260^291.
did he contrive this too. Braces and halyards and
sheet-ropes he set up in her and then with levers
heaved her down into the sacred sea.
The fourth day came, and he had finished all. So
on the fifth divine Calypso sent him from the island,
putting upon him fragrant clothes and giving him a
bath. A skin the goddess gave him, filled with dark
wine, a second large one full of water, and some pro-
vision in a sack. She put upon the raft whatever dain-
ties pleased him and sent along his course a fair and
gentle breeze. Joyfully to the breeze royal Odysseus
spread his sail, and with his rudder skillfully he steered
from where he sat. No sleep fell on his eyelids as he
gazed upon the Pleiads, on Bootes which sets late, and
on the Bear which men call Wagon too, which turns
around one spot, watching Orion, and alone does not
dip in the Ocean-stream. For Calypso, the heavenly
goddess, bade him to cross the sea wath the Bear upon
his left ; so seventeen days he sailed across the sea.
On the eighteenth there came in sight the dim heights
of Phaeacia, where nearest him it lay ; it seemed a
shield laid on the misty sea.
But now the mighty Earth-shaker, coming from
Ethiopia, spied him afar from the mountains of the
Solymi ; for Odysseus came in sight as he sailed along
the sea. And Poseidon grew more wroth in spirit,
and shaking his head he muttered to his heart :
" Aha ! so then the gods have changed their pur-
poses about Odysseus, while I was with the Ethiopians !
And here he is close to the land of the Phaeacians,
where he is destined to escape from the great coil of
evil that surrounds him. Yet still I hope to plunge
him into sufficient trouble."
So saying, he gathered clouds and stirred the deep,
V. 292-325.] THE ODYSSEY. 81
gTasj)ing the trident in his hands ; he started tempests
of wind from every side, and covered with his clouds
both land and sea ; night broke from heaven ; forth
rushed together Eurus and Notus, hard-blowing Ze-
phjrus, and sky-born Boreas, rolling up heavy waves.
Then did Odysseus' knees grow feeble, and his very
soul, and in dismay he said to his stout heart :
" Ah, woe is me ! AVhat will become of me at last ?
I fear that all the goddess told was true, when she de-
clared that on the sea, before I reached my native land,
I should be filled with sorrow. Now all is come to pass.
Ah, with what clouds Zeus overcasts the open sky I
He stirred the deep, and tempests of wind hurry from
every side. Swift death is sure. Thrice, four times
happy Danaans who in the time gone by fell on the
plain of Troy to please the sons of Atreus ! Would I
had died there too, and met my doom the day a multi-
tude of Trojans hurled at me brazen spears over the
body of the son of Peleus ! Then had I found a burial,
and the Achaeans had borne my name afar. Now I
must be cut off by an inglorious death."
As thus he spoke, a great wave broke on high and
madly plunging whirled his raft around ; far from the
raft he fell and sent the rudder flying from his hand.
The mast snapped in the middle under the fearful
tempest of opposing Vvinds that struck, and far in the
sea canvas and sail-yard fell. The water held him
long submerged ; he could not rise at once after the
crash of the great wave, for the clothing which divine
Calypso gave him weighed him down. At length,
however, he came up, spitting from out his mouth the
bitter brine which plentifully trickled from his head.
Yet even then, spent as he was, he did not forget his
raft, but pushing on amongst the wa\"es laid hold of
82 THE ODYSSEY. [V. 326-356.
her, and in her middle got a seat and so escaped
death's ending. But her the great wave drove along
its current, up and down. As when in autumn Boreas
drives thistleheads along the plain, and close they
cling together, so the winds drove her up and down
the deep. One moment Notus tossed her on for Bo-
reas to drive ; the next would Eurus give her up for
Zephyrus to chase.
But the daughter of Cadmus saw him, fair-ankled
Ino, that goddess pale who formerly was mortal and
of human speech, but now in the water's depths shares
the gods' honors. She pitied Odysseus, cast away
and meeting sorrow, and like a petrel on the wing she
rose from the sea's trough, and lighting on his strong-
built raft spoke to him thus :
" Unhappy man, why is it earth-shaking Poseidon
is so furiously enraged that he makes many ills spring
up around you ? Destroy you shall he not, however
wroth he be ! Only do this, — you seem to me not
to lack understanding. Strip off these clothes, and
leave your raft for winds to carry, then strike out
with your arms and seek a landing on the Phaeacian
coast, where fate allows you safety. Here, spread
this wimple underneath your breast. It is immortal ;
have no fear of suffering or death. But when your
hands shall touch the shore, untie and fling the wim-
ple into the wine-dark sea, well off the shore, and so
depart."
Saying this, the goddess gave the wimple, and she
herself plunged back into the surging sea, in likeness
of a petrel. The dark wave closed around. Then
hesitated long-tried royal Odysseus, and in dismay he
said to his stout heart :
" Ah me ! I fear that here again an immortal plots
V. 357-391.] THE ODYSSEY. 83
me harm in bidding me leave my raft. I will not yet
obey ; for in the distance I saw land, where it was said
my safety lies. This I will do, for best it seems : so
long as the beams hold in the fastenings, here I will
stay and bide wdiat I must bear ; but when the surge
batters my raft to pieces, then I will swim. There is
no better plan."
While he thus doubted in his mind and heart, earth-
shaking Poseidon raised a great wave, gloomy and
grievous, and with bending crest, and launched it on
him. And as a gusty wind tosses a heap of grain
when it is dry, and some it scatters one way, some an-
other, so were the long beams scattered. But Odys-
seus mounting a beam, as if he rode a steed, stripped
off the clothing which divine Calypso gave, spread
quickly the w^imple underneath his breast, and plunged
down headlong in the sea, with {lands outstretched,
ready to swim. The great Earth-shaker spied him,
and shaking his head he muttered to his heart :
*' Thus, after meeting many ills, be tossed about the
sea until you join a jDeople who are favorites of Zeus ;
but e\^en then, I trust, you will not laugh at danger."
Saying this, he lashed his full-maned horses and
came to Aegae, where his lordly dwelling stands.
And now Athene, daughter of Zeus, formed a new
plan. She barred the pathway of the other winds,
bade them to cease and all be laid to rest ; but she
roused bustling Boreas and before it broke the waves,
that safely among the oar-loving Phaeacians might
come high-born Odysseus, freed from death and doom.
Then two nights and two days on the resistless
waves he drifted ; many a time his heart faced death.
But when the fair-haired dawn brought the third day,
then the wind ceased ; there came a breathless calm ;
84 THE ODYSSEY. [V. 392-424.
and close at hand he spied the coast, as he cast a keen
glance forward, upborne on a great wave. As when
the precious life is watched by children in a father,
who lies in sickness, suffering great pain and slowly
wasting, — for a hostile power assails him, — and
then the one thus prized the gods set free from dan-
ger ; so precious in Odysseus' eyes appeared the land
and trees. Onward he swam, impatient for his feet
to touch the ground. But when he was as far away
as one can call, he heard a pounding of the ocean
on the ledges ; for the great waves roared as on the
barren land they madly dashed, and all was whirled
in spray. There was no harbor here to hold a ship,
no open roadstead ; only projecting bluffs, ledges,
and reefs. At this Odysseus' knees grew feeble, and
his very soul, and in dismay he said to his stout
heart :
" Alas ! when Zeus now lets me see unlooked-for
land, and forcing my way along the gulf I finally
reach its end, no landing anywhere appears out of the
foaming sea. Outside are jagged reefs ; around thun-
der the surging waves, and smooth and steep rises the
rocky shore. To the edge the sea is deep, and possi-
ble it is not to get a footing with botli feet and so es-
cape disaster. If I should try to land, great sweep-
mg- weaves mio^ht dash me on the solid rock ; useless
would the attempt be ! But if I swim still farther,
hoping to find a sloping shore and harbors off the sea,
I fear a sweeping storm may bear me yet again along
the swarming sea, loudly lamenting ; or God may send
upon me a monster of the deep, — and many such
great Amphitrite breeds, — for I know how angry is
the great Land-shaker."
While he thus doubted in his mind and heart, a
V. 425-456.] THE ODYSSEY. 85
huge wave bore liim onward toward the rugged shore.
There would his skin have been, stri2)ped off and his
bones broken, had not the goddess, clear-eyed Athene,
given him counsel. Struggling, he grasped the rock
with both his hands and clung there, groaning, till
the great wave passed. That one he thus escaped,
but the back-flowing water struck him again, still
struggling, and swept him out to sea. And just as,
when a polyp is torn from out its bed, about its suck-
ers clustering pebbles cling, so on the rocks pieces of
skin Λvere strij^ped from his strong hands. The great
wave covered him. Then miserably, before his time,
Odysseus would have died, if clear-eyed Athene had
not given him ready thought. Rising beyond the
waves which thundered on the coast, he swam along
outside, eying the land, in hopes to find a sloping
shore and harbors off the sea. But when, as he swam,
he reached the mouth of a fair-flowing river, there
the ground seemed most fit, for it was clear of stones
and sheltered from the breeze. He felt the river
flowing forth, and in his heart he prayed :
" Hearken, Ο lord, whoe'er thou art ! Thee, long
desired, I find, when flying from the sea and from
Poseidon's threats. Respected even of immortal gods
is he who comes a fugitive, as I here now come to thy
current and thy knees through weary toil. Show
pity, lord I I call myself thy suppliant."
He spoke, and the god straightway stayed the
stream and checked the waves, before him made a
calm, and brought him safely into the riΛ^er's mouth.
Both knees hung loose, and both his sturdy arms, for
by the sea his spirit had been broken. His body was
all swollen, and water gushed in streams out of his
mouth and nostrils. So, breathless and speechless, in
86 THE ODYSSEY. [V. 457-488.
a swoon he lay and dire fatigue o'ercame him. But
when he gained his breath, and in his breast the spirit
rallied, then he unbound the wimple of the goddess
and dropped it in the river running out to sea ; and
back a great wave bore it down the stream, and Ino
soon received it in her friendly hands. But he, re-
treating from the river, lay down among the rushes
and kissed the bounteous earth, and in dismay he said
to his stout heart :
" Ah me ! What shall I do ? What will become
of me even now ? If by the stream I watch through-
out the weary night, may not the bitter frost and the
fresh dew together after this swoon end my exhausted
life ? The breeze from off a river blows cool toward
early morning. But if I climb the hill-side up to the
dusky wood and sleep in the thick bushes, — suppos-*
ing that the chill and weariness depart and pleasant
sleep come on, — I am afraid I may become the wild
beasts' prey and prize."
Yet on reflecting thus, this seemed the better way :
he hastened therefore to the wood. This he found
near the water, with open space around. He crept
under a pair of shrubs sprung from a single spot ; the
one was wild, the other common, olive. These no
force of wind with its chill breath could pierce, no
sunbeams smite, nor rain pass through, they grew so
thickly intertwined with one another. Under them
crept Odysseus, and quickly with his hands he scraped
a bed together, an ample one, for a thick fall of leaves
was there, enough to shelter two or three men in
winter-time, however severe the weather. This long-
tried royal Odysseus saw with joy, and lay down in
the midst, heaping the fallen leaves above. As a man
hides a brand in a dark bed of ashes, at some out-
V. 489-493.] THE ODYSSEY. 87
lying farm wliere neighbors are not near, hoarding a
seed of fire to save his seeking elsewhere, even so did
Odysseus hide himself in leaves ; and on his eyes
Athene poured a sleep, quickly to ease him from the
fatigue of toil, letting his evelids close.
VI.
THE LANDING IN PHAEACIA.
Thus long-tried royal Odysseus slumbered here,
heavy with sleep and toil; but Athene went to the
land and town of the Phaeacians. This people once
in ancient times lived in the open Highlands, near that
rude folk the Cyclops, who often plundered them, be-
ing in strength more powerful than they. Moving
them thence, godlike Nausithoiis, their leader, estab-
lished them at Scheria, far from toiling men. He ran
a wall around the town, built houses there, made tem-
ples for the gods, and laid out farms ; but Nausithoiis
had met his doom and gone to the house of Hades, and
Alcinoiis now was reigning, trained in wisdom by the
gods. To this man's dwelling came the goddess, clear-
eyed Athene, planning a safe return for brave Odys-
seus. She hastened to a chamber, richly wrought, in
which a maid was sleeping, of form and beauty like
the immortals, Nausicaa, daughter of generous Alci-
noiis. Near by two damsels, dowered with beauty by
the Graces, slept by the threshold, one on either hand.
The shining doors were shut ; but Athene, like a
breath of air, moved to the maid's couch, stood by her
head, and thus addressed her, — taking the likeness
of the daughter of Dymas, the famous seaman, a
maiden just Nausicaa s age, dear to her heart. Taking
her guise, thus spoke clear-eyed Athene :
"Nausicaa, how did your mother bear a child so
VI. 26-56.] THE ODYSSEY. 89
heedless ? Your gay clotlies lie uncared for, thougli
the wedding time is near, when you must wear fine
clothes yourself and furnish them to those that may
attend you. From things like these a good repute
arises, and father and honored mother are made glad.
Then let us go a-washing at the dawn of day, and I
will go to help, that you may soon be ready; for
really not much longer will you be a maid. Already
you have for suitors the chief ones of the land
throughout Phaeacia, where you too were born. Come,
then, beg your good father early in the morning to
harness the mules and cart, so as to carry the men's
clothes, gowns, and bright-hued rugs. Yes, and for
you yourself it is more decent so than setting forth
on foot ; the pools are far from the town."
Saying this, clear-eyed Athene passed away, off to
Olympus, where they say the dwelling of the gods
stands fast forever. Never with winds is it disturbed,
nor by the rain made wet, nor does the snow come
near; but everywhere the upper air spreads cloudless,
and a bright radiance plaj^s OA^er all ; and there the
blessed gods are happy all their days. Thither now
came the clear-eyed one, when she had spoken with
the maid.
Soon bright-throned morning came, and waked fair-
robed Nausicaa. She marveled at the dream, and
hastened through the house to tell it to her parents,
her dear father and her mother. She found them
still in-doors : her mother sat by the hearth among
the waiting-women, spinning sea-purple yarn ; she met
her father at the door, just going forth to join the
famous princes at the council, to which the high
Phaeacians summoned him. So standing close beside
him, she said to her dear father :
90 THE ODYSSEY. [VI. 57-80.
"Papa dear, could you not have the wagon har-
nessed for me, — the high one, with good wheels, —
to take my nice clothes to the river to be washed,
which now are lying dirty ? Surely for jou yourself it
is but proper, when you are with the first men holding
councils, that you should wear clean clothing. Five
good sons too are here at home, — two married, and
three merry young men still, — and they are always
wanting to go to the dance wearing fresh clothes.
And this is all a trouble on my mind."
Such were her words, for she was shy of naming the
glad marriage to her father ; but he understood it all,
and answered thus :
" I do not grudge the nudes, my child, nor anything
beside. Go ! Quickly shall the servants harness the
wagon for you, the high one, with good wheels, fitted
with rack above."
Saying this, he called to the servants, who gave
heed. Out in the court they made the easy mule-cart
ready ; they brought the mules, and yoked them to the
wagon. The maid took from her room her pretty
clothing, and stowed it in the polished wagon ; her
mother put in a chest food the maid liked, of every
kind, put dainties in, and poured some wine into a
goat-skin bottle, — the maid, meanwhile, had got into
the wagon, — and gave her in a golden flask some
liquid oil, that she might bathe and anoint herself,
she and the waiting-women. Nausicaa took the whip
and the bright reins, and cracked the whip to start.
There was a clatter of the mules, and steadily they
pulled, drawing the clothing and the maid, — yet not
alone ; beside her went the waiting- women too.
When now they came to the fair riΛ^er's current,
where the pools were always full, — for in abundance
VI. 87-119.] THE ODYSSEY. ^1
clear water bubbles from beneath to cleanse tbe foul-
est stains, — they turned the mules loose from the
wagon, and let them stray along the eddying stream,
to croj^ the honeyed pasturage. Then from the wagon
they took the clothing in their arms, carried it into
the dark water, and stamped it in the pits with rivalry
in speed. And after they had washed and cleansed
it of all stains, they spread it carefully along the shore,
just where the waves washed up the pebbles on the
beach. Then bathing and anointing with the oil,
they presently took dinner on the river bank and
waited for the clothes to dry in the sunshine. And
when they were refreshed with food, the maids and
she, they then began to play at ball, throwing their
wimples off. White-armed Nausicaa led their sport ;
and as the huntress Artemis goes down a mountain,
down long Taygetus or Erymanthus, exulting in the
boars and the swift deer, while round her sport the
woodland nymphs, daughters of segis-bearing Zeus,
and glad is Leto's heart, for all the rest her child
o'ertops by head and brow, and easily marked is she,
though all are fair ; so did this virgin pure excel her
women.
But when Nausicaa thought to turn toward home
once more, to yoke the mules and fold up the clean
clothes, then a new plan the goddess formed, clear-
eyed Athene ; for she would have Odj^sseus wake and
see the bright-eyed maid, who might to the Phaeacian
city show the way. Just then the princess tossed the
ball to one of her women, and missing her it fell in
the deep eddy. Thereat they screamed aloud. Royal
Odysseus woke, and sitting up debated in his mind
and heart :
" Alas ! To what men's land am I come now ?
92 THE ODYSSEY. [VI. 120-149.
Lawless and savage are they, with no regard for
right, or are they kind to strangers and reverent
toward the gods ? It was as if there came to me the
delicate voice of maids — nymphs, it may be, who
haunt the craggy peaks of hills, the springs of streams
and grassy marshes ; or am I now, perhaps, near men
of human speech ? Suppose I make a trial for myself,
and see."
So saying, royal Odysseus crept from the thicket,
but with his strong hand broke a spray of leaves
from the close wood, to be a covering round his body
for his nakedness. He set off like a lion that is bred
among the hills and trusts its strength; onward it
goes, beaten with rain and wind; its two eyes glare ;
and now in search of oxen or of sheep it moves, or
tracking the wild deer; its belly bids it make trial
of the flocks, even by entering the guarded folds ; so
was Odysseus about to meet those fair-haired maids,
all naked though he was, for need constrained him.
To them he seemed a loathsome sight, befouled with
brine. They hurried off, one here, one there, over
the stretching sands. Only the daughter of Alcinoiis
stayed, for in her breast Athene had put courage and
from her limbs took fear. Steadfast she stood to
meet him. And now Odysseus doubted whether to
make his suit by clasping the knees of the bright-eyed
maid, or where he stood, aloof, in winning words to
make that suit, and try if she would show the town
and give him clothing. Reflecting thus, it seemed the
better way to make his suit in winning words, aloof ;
for fear if he should clasp her knees, the maid might
be offended. Forthwith he spoke, a winning and
shrewd speech :
" I am your suppliant, princess. Are you some god
VI. 150-182.] THE ODYSSEY. 93
or mortal? If one of the gods who hold the open
sky, to Artemis, daughter of mighty Zeus, in beauty,
height, and bearing I find you likest. But if you are a
mortal, living on the earth, most happy are your father
and your honored mother, most happy your brothers
also. Surely their hearts ever grow warm with plea-
sure over you, when watching such a blossom moving
in the dance. And then exceeding happy he, beyond
all others, who shall with gifts prevail and lead you
home. For I never before saw such a being with these
eyes — no man, no woman. I am amazed to see. At
Delos once, by Apollo's altar, something like you I
noticed, a young palm-shoot springing up ; for thither
too I came, and a great troop was with me, upon a
journey where I was to meet with bitter trials. And
just as when I looked on that I marveled long within,
since never before sprang such a stalk from earth ; so,
lady, I admire and marvel now at you, and greatly
fear to touch your knees. Yet grievous woe is on
me. Yesterday, after twenty days, I escaped from
the wine-dark sea, and all that time the waves and
boisterous winds bore me away from the island of
Ogygia. Now some god cast me here, that probably
here also I may meet with trouble ; for I do not
think trouble will cease, but much the gods will first
accomplish. Then, princess, have compassion, for it
is you to whom through many grievous toils I first am
come ; none else I know of all who own this city and
this land. Show me the town, and give me a rag to
throw around me, if you had perhaps on coming hei*e
some wrapper for your linen. And may the gods
grant all that in your thoughts you long for : husband
and home and true accord may they bestoΛv ; for a
better and higher gift than this there cannot be, when
94 THE ODYSSEY. [VI. 183-215.
with accordant aims man and wife have a home. Great
grief it is to foes and joy to friends ; but they them-
selves best know its meaning."
Then answered him white-armed Nausicaa : " Stran-
ger, because you do not seem a common, senseless per-
son, — and Olympian Zeus himself distributes fortune
to mankind and gives to high and low even as he wills
to each ; and this he gave to you, and you must bear
it therefore, — now you have reached our city and
our land, you shall not lack for clothes nor anything
besides which it is fit a hard-pressed suppliant should
find. I will point out the town and tell its people's
name. The Phaeacians own this city and this land,
and I am the daughter of generous Alcinoiis, on
whom the might and power of the Phaeacians rests."
She spoke, and called her fair-haired waiting-wo-
men : " My women, stay ! Why do you run because
you saw a man ? You surely do not 'think him evil-
minded. The man is not alive, and never will be born,
who can come and offer harm to the Phaeacian land :
for we are very dear to the immortals ; and then we live
apart, far on the surging sea, no other tribe of men
has dealings with us. But this poor man has come
here having lost his way, and we should give him aid ;
for in the charge of Zeus all strangers and beggars
stand, and a small gift is welcome. Then give, my
women, to the stranger food and drink, and bathe
him in the river where there is shelter from the
breeze."
She spoke ; the others stopped and called to one
another, and down they brought Odysseus to the
place of shelter, even as Nausicaa, daughter of gene-
rous Alcinoiis, had ordered. They placed a robe and
tunic there for clothing, they gave him in the golden
VI. 215-246.] THE ODYSSEY. 95
flask the liquid oil, and bade him bathe in the stream's
currents. Then to the waiting - women said royal
Odysseus :
'' Women, stand here aside, while by myself I wash
the salt from off my back and with the oil anoint me •,
for it is long since ointment touched my skin. But
before you I will not bathe ; for I am ashamed to bare
myself among you fair-haired maids."
So he spoke ; the women went away, and told it to
the maid. And now with water from the stream royal
Odysseus washed his skin clean of the salt which
clung about his back and his broad shoulders, and
wiped from his head the foam brought by the barren
sea ; and when he had thoroughly bathed and oiled
himself and had put on the clothing which the chaste
maiden gave, Athene, the daughter of Zeus, made
him taller than before and stouter to behold, and she
made the curling locks to fall around his head as on
the hyacinth flower. As when a man lays gold on
silver, — some skillful man whom Hephaestus and Pal-
las Athene have trained in every art, and he fash-
ions graceful work ; so did she cast a grace ujDon
his head and shoulders. He walked apart along the
shore, and there sat down, beaming with grace and
beauty. The maid observed ; then to her fair-haired
waiting- women said :
" Hearken, my white-armed women, while I speak.
Not without purpose on the part of all the gods that
hold Olympus is this man's meeting with the godlike
Phaeacians. A while ago, lie really seemed to me ill-
looking, but now he is like the gods who hold the
open sky. Ah, might a man like this be called my
husband, having his home here, and content to stay !
But give, my women, to the stranger food and drink."
96 THE ODYSSEY. [VI. 247-278.
She spoke, and very willingly tliey heeded and
obeyed, and set beside Odysseus food and drink.
Then long-tried royal Odysseus eagerly drank and ate,
for he had lono^ been fastino-.
And now to other matters white-armed Nausicaa
turned her thoughts. She folded the clothes and laid
them in the beautiful wagon, she yoked the stout-
hoofed mules, mounted herseK, and calling to Odys-
seus thus she spoke and said :
"^ Arise now, stranger, and hasten to the town, that
I may set you on the road to my wise father's house,
where you shall see, I promise you, the best of all
Phaeacia. Only do this, — you seem to me not to lack
understanding : while we are passing through the fields
and farms, here with my women, behind the mules
and cart, walk rapidly along, and I will lead the way.
But as we near the toΛyn, — round which is a lofty
rampart, a beautiful harbor on each side and a narroΛV
road between, — there curved ships line the way ; for
every man has his own mooring-place. Beyond is the
assembly near the beautiful grounds of Poseidon,
constructed out of blocks of stone deeply imbedded.
Further along, they make the black ships' tackling, ca-
bles and canvas, and shape out the oars ; for the Phae-
acians do not care for bow and qui\^er, only for masts
and oars of ships and the trim ships themselves, with
which it is their joy to cross the foaming sea. Now
the rude talk of such as these I would avoid, that no
one afterwards may give me blame. For very for-
ward persons are about the place, and some coarse
man might say, if he should meet us : ' AYhat tall and
handsome stranger is following Nausicaa? Where
did she find him? A husband he will be, her very
own. Some castaway, perhaps, she rescued from his
VI. 279-312.] THE ODYSSEY. 97
vessel, some foreigner ; for we have no neighbors here.
Or at her prayer some long-entreated god has come
straight down from heaven, and he will keep her his
forever. So much the better, if she has gone herself
and found a husband elsewhere ! The people of our
own land here, Phaeacians, she disdains, though she
has many high-born suitors.' So they will talk, and
for me it would prove a scandal. I should myself cen-
sure a girl who acted so, who, heedless of friends,
while father and mother were alive, mingled with men
before her public wedding. And, stranger, listen now
to what I say, that you may soon obtain assistance
and safe conduct from my father. Near our road
you will see a stately grove of poplar trees, belonging
to Athene ; in it a fovmtain flows, and round it is a
meadow. That is my father's park, his fruitful vine-
yard, as far from the town as one can call. There
sit and wait a while, until we come to the town and
reach my father's palace. But when you think we
have already reached the palace, enter the city of the
Phaeacians, and ask for the palace of my father, gene-
rous Alcinoiis. Easily is it known ; a child, though
young, could show the way ; for the Phaeacians do not
build their houses like the dwelling of Alcinoiis their
prince. But when his house and court recei\'e you,
pass quickly through the hall until you find my mother.
She sits in the firelight by the hearth, spinning sea-
purple yarn, a marvel to behold, and resting against a
pillar. Her handmaids sit behind her. Here too
my father's seat rests on the selfsame pillar, and here
he sits and sips his wine like an immortal. Passing
him by, stretch out your hands to our mother's knees,
if you would see the day of your return in gladness
and with speed, although you come from far. If
98 THE ODYSSEY. [VI. 313-331.
she regards you kindly in her heart, then there is
hope that you may see your friends and reach your
stately house and native land."
Saying this, with her bright whip she struck the
mules, and fast they left the river's streams ; and well
they trotted, well they plied their feet, and skillfully
she reined them that those on foot might follow, —
the waiting-women and Odysseus, — and moderately
she used the lash. The sun was setting when they
reached the famous grove, Athene's sacred ground,
where royal Odysseus sat him down. And thereupon
he prayed to the daughter of mighty Zeus :
'' Hearken, thou child of aegis-bearing Zeus, un-
wearied one I Oh hear me now, although before thou
didst not hear me, when I was wrecked, what time the
great Land-shaker wrecked me. Grant that I come
among the Phaeacians welcomed and pitied by them."
So sj^oke he in his prayer, and Pallas Athene heard,
but did not yet appear to him in open presence ; for
she regarded still her father's brother, who stoutly
strove with godlike Odysseus until he reached his
land.
ΥΙΙ.
THE WELCOME OF ALCINOUS.
Here, then, long-tried royal Odysseus made his
prayer; but to the town the strong mules bore the maid.
And when she reached her father's famous palace, she
stopped before the door-way, and round her stood her
brothers, men like immortals, who from the cart un-
yoked the mules and carried the clothing in. The
maid went to her chamber, w^here a fire was kindled
for her by an old Apeirean woman, the chamber-ser-
vant Eurymedousa, whom long ago curved shij^s
brought from Apeira ; her they had chosen from the
rest to be the gift of honor for Alcinous, because he
was the lord of all Phaeacians, and people listened to
his voice as if he were a god. She was the nurse of
white-armed Nausicaa at the palace, and she it was
who kindled her the fire and in her room prepared
her supper.
And now Odysseus rose to go to the city ; but
Athene kindly drew thick clouds around Odysseus,
for fear some bold Phaeacian meeting- him mio-ht
trouble him with talk and ask him who he was. And
just as he was entering the pleasant town, the goddess,
clear-eyed Athene, came to meet him, disguised as a
young girl wdio bore a water-jar. She paused as she
drew near, and royal Odj^sseus asked :
" My child, could you not guide me to the house of
one Alcinous, who is ruler of this people ? For I am
100 THE ODYSSEY. [VII. 25-57.
a toil-worn stranger come from far, out of a distant
land. Therefore I know not one among the men who
own this city and this land."
Then said to him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Yes, good old stranger, Τ will show the house for
which you ask, for it stands near my gentle father's.
But follow in silence ; I will lead the way. Cast
not a glance at any man and ask no questions ;
for our people do not well endure a stranger, nor
courteously receive a man who comes from elsewhere.
Yet they themselves trust in swift ships and traverse
the great deep, for the Earth-shaker permits them.
Swift are their ships as wing or thought."
Saying this, Pallas Athene led the way in haste,
and he walked after in the footstejis of the goddess.
So the Phaeacians, famed for shipping, did not ob-
serve him walking through the town among them,
because Athene, the fair-haired powerful goddess, did
not allow it, but in the kindness of her heart drew a
marvelous mist around him. And now Odysseus ad-
mired the harbors, the trim ships, the meeting-places
of the lords themselves, and the long walls that were
so high, fitted with palisades, a marvel to behold.
Then as they neared the famous palace of the king,
the goddess, clear-eyed Athene, thus began :
" Here, good old stranger, is the house you bade me
show. You will see heaven-descended kings sitting at
table here. But enter, and have no misgivings in your
heart; for the courageous man in all affairs better at-
tains his end, come he from where he may. First you
shall find the Queen within the hall. Arete is her
name ; sprung from the self-same ancestry as King
Alcinoiis. In early days earth-shaking Poseidon begot
Nausithoiis by Periboea, the chief of womankind in
VII. 58-89.] THE ODYSSEY. 101
beauty and youngest daughter of that bold Euryme-
don who once was king of the presumptuous giants ;
but he brought ruin on his impious tribe and on him-
self. Poseidon lay with Periboea and had by her a
son, resolute Nausithoiis, who was king of the Phaea-
cians. Nausithoiis begot Rhexenor and Alcinoiis ; but
before Rhexenor had a son, Apollo of the silver bow
smote him within his hall, soon after he was wed, and
he left behind an only child, Arete. Alcinoiis took
Arete for his wife, and he has honored her as no one
else on earth is honored among the women who to-day
keep houses for their husbands. Thus has she had a
heartfelt honor, and she has it still, from her own
children, from Alcinoiis himself, and from the people
also, who gaze on her as on a god and greet her wdth
welcomes when she walks about the town. For of
sound judgment, woman as she is, she has no lack ;
and those whom she regards, though men. find troubles
clear away. If she regards you kindly in her heart,
then there is hope that you may see your friends and
reach your high-roofed house and native land."
Saying this, clear-eyed Athene passed awa}^, over
the barren sea. She turned from pleasant Scheria,
and came to Marathon and wide-wayed Athens and
entered there the strong house of Erechtheus. Mean-
while Odysseus neared the lordly palace of Alcinoiis,
and his heart was deeply stirred so that he paused be-
fore he crossed the brazen threshold ; for a sheen as
of the sun or moon played through the high-roofed
house of generous Alcinoiis. On either hand ran
walls of bronze from threshold to recess, and round
about the ceiling was a cornice of dark metal. Doors
made of gold closed in the solid building. The door-
posts were of silver and stood on a bronze threshold,
102 THE ODYSSEY. [VII. 90-124.
silver the lintel overhead, and gold the handle. On
the two sides Λvere gold and silver dogs ; these had
Hephaestus wrought with subtle eraft to guard the
house of generous Alcinoiis, creatures immortal, young
forever. AVithin were seats planted against the wall
on this side and on that, from threshold to recess, in
long array ; and over these were strewn light fine-
spun robes, the work of wOmen. Here the Phaeacian
leaders used to sit, drinking and eating, holding con-
stant cheer. And golden youths on massive pedestals
stood and held flaming torches in their hands to light
by night the palace for the feasters.
In the King's house are fifty serving maids, some
grinding at the mill the yellow corn, some plying
looms or twisting yarn, who as they sit are like the
leaves of a tall poplar ; and from the close-spun linen
drops the liquid oil. And as Phaeacian men are
skilled beyond all others in speeding a swift ship
along the sea, so are their women practiced at the
loom ; for Athene has gi\^en them in large measure
skill in fair works and noble minds.
Without the court and close beside its gate is a
large garden, covering four acres ; around it runs a
hedge on either side. Here grow tall thrifty trees —
pears, pomegranates, apples with shining fruit, sweet
figs and thrifty olives. On them fruit never fails ; it
is not gone in winter or in summer, but lasts through-
out the year; for constantly the west wind's breath
brings some to bud and mellows others. Pear ripens
upon pear, apple on apple, cluster on cluster, fig on
fig. Here too the teeming vineyard has been planted,
one part of which, the drying place, lying on level
ground, is heating in the sun ; elsewhere men gather
grapes ; and elsewhere still they tread them. In
VII. 125-155.] THE ODYSSEY. 103
front, the grapes are green and slied their flower,
but a second row are now just turning dark. And
here trim garden-beds, along the outer line, spring up
in every kind and all the year are gay. Near by, two
fountains rise, one scattering its streams throughout
the garden, one bounding by another course beneath
the court-yard gate toward the high house ; from this
the townsfolk draw their water. Such at the palace
of Alcinoiis were the gods' splendid gifts.
Here long-tried royal Odysseus stood and gazed.
Then after he had gazed to his heart's fill on all, he
quickly crossed the threshold and came Avithin the
house. He found the Phaeacian captains and coun-
cilors pouring libations from their cups to the clear-
sighted Speedy-comer, to whom they always offer a last
cup when they prepare for bed. Along the hall went
long-tried royal Odysseus, still clothed in the thick
cloud which Athene drew around him, until he came
to AvetQ and to King Alcinoiis. About Arete's knees
Odysseus threw his arms, and then the marvelous
cloud retreated from him. Seeing the man, the peo-
ple of the house were hushed and marveled as they
gazed, and thus Odysseus made his supplication :
" Arete, daughter of divine Rhexenor, to your hus-
band I am come, and to your knees, through many
toils, and to these feasters too. The gods bestow upon
them the blessing of long life, and to his children may
each one leave the wealth within his hall and every
honor men have given. But quicklj^ grant me aid to
reach my native land ; for long cut off from friends I
have been meeting hardship."
When he had spoken thus, he sat dow^n on the
hearth among the ashes by the fire, while all were
hushed to silence. At last the old lord Echeneiis
104 THE ODYSSEY. [VII. 156-187.
spoke, the oldest man of the Phaeacian race, preemi-
nent in speech and full of knowledge of the past.
He with good will addressed them thus, and said :
" Alcinoiis, this is not quite honorable to you ; it is
unseemly that a stranger should be sitting on the
hearth among the ashes. Awaiting w^ords of yours,
these men hold back. Come then, raise up the stran-
ger, seat him on a silver-studded chair, and bid the
pages mix more wine, that we may also pour to Zeus,
the Thunderer, who waits on worthy sup^iliants. And
let the housekeeper give supper to the stranger from
what she has in store."
Now when revered Alcinoiis heard his word, he
took by the hand Odysseus, keen and crafty, raised
him from the hearth and placed him on a shining
chair, making his son arise, manly Laodamas, who sat
beside his father, for liis father loved him best. And
Λvater for the hands a servant brought in a beautiful
pitcher made of gold, and poured it out over a silver
basin for their washing, and spread a polished table
by their side. And the grave housekeeper brought
bread and placed before them, setting out food of
many a kind, freely giλ^ng of her store. So long-
tried royal Odysseus drank and ate. And now to
the page revered Alcinous said :
" Pontonous, mix a bowl and pass the wine to all
within the hall, that we may also pour to Zeus, the
Thunderer, who waits on worthy suppliants."
He sj^oke ; Pontonoiis stirred the cheering wine and
served to all, with a first pious portion for the cup.
So after they had poured and drunk as their hearts
would, then thus Alcinous addressed them, saying :
" Hearken, Phaeacian captains and councilors, and
let me tell you what the heart within me bids. After
VII. 188-220.] THE ODYSSEY. 105
the feast is over, go to your homes and rest ; and
in the morning we will call more elders hither, and
entertain the stranger at the hall, and make fit offer-
ing to the gods. Then afterwards we will take
thought about his going, so that the stranger, free
from toil and trouble, may by our guidance reach his
land in gladness and ^vith speed, although he comes
from far. So shall he, meanwhile, meet no ill or harm
till he set foot in his ΟΛνη land ; there, in the days to
come, he shall receive whatever fate and the stern
spinners wove in his birth-thread when his mother
bore him. But if he be some deathless one come
down from heaven, then do the gods herein deal with
us strangely ; for heretofore the gods have always
shown themselves without disguise, and when we offer
splendid hecatombs they sit beside us at the feast, even
like ourselves. And if a man, walking alone, meet
them upon his way, they do not hide ; for we are of
their kin, as are the Cyclops and the wild tribes of
Giants."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Al-
cinoiis, other thoughts of me be yours ! I am not like
the deathless ones who hold the open sky, either in
form or bearing, but on the contrary I am like men
that die ; and whomsoever you have known bearing
most grief among mankind, his sorrows I could equal.
Yes, even more distresses still I might relate which
first and last I bore at the gods' bidding. But
let me now, though sick at heart, take supper ; for
nothing is more brutal than an angry belly. Perforce
it bids a man attend, sadly though he be worn,
though grief be on his mind. Even so, I too have
grief upon ni}^ mind, and yet this evermore calls me
to eat and drink ; all I have borne it makes me quite
106 THE ODYSSEY. [VII. 221-253,
forget, and bids me take m}^ fill. But do you hasten
at the dawn of day to laud unhappy me in my own
country, much as I still must bear ; and let life pass
when once I have beheld my goods, my slaves, and
my great high-roofed house."
He spoke, and all approved and bade send forth the
stranger, for rightly had he spoken. Then after they
had poured and drunk as their hearts would, desiring
rest, they each departed homeward. So in the hall
was royal Odysseus left behind ; Arete, too, and god-
like Alcinoiis sat beside him, while servants cleared
away the dishes of the meal. Then thus began white-
armed Arete ; for when she saw Odysseus she knew
his robe and tunic to be the beautiful clothing which
she herself had made — she and her waiting-women ;
and speaking in winged words, she said :
" Stranger, I will myself first ask you this : Who
are you ? Of what people ? Who gave this clothing
to you ? Did you not say you came to us when lost
upon the sea ? "
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Hard
it were. Queen, fully to tell my woes, because the gods
of heaven have given me many ; still, Avhat you ask
and seek to know I will declare. Ogygia is an island
lying far out at sea, where the daughter of Atlas
dwells, crafty Calypso, a fair-haired, powerful god-
dess. Her no one visits, neither god nor mortal man ;
but hapless me some heavenly power brought to her
hearth, and all alone, for Zeus with a gleaming bolt
smote my swift ship and wrecked it in the middle
of the wine-dark sea. There all the rest of my good
comrades perished, but I myself caught in my arms
the keel of my curved ship and drifted for nine days.
Upon the tenth, in the dark night, gods, brought me
VII. 254-287.] THE ODYSSEY. 107
to tlie island of Ogygia, where dwells Calypso, the
fair-haired, powerful goddess. Receiving me, she
loved and cherished me, and often said that she would
make me an immortal, young forever ; but she never
beguiled the heart within my breast. Here for seven
years I lingered, and often with my tears bedewed the
immortal robes Calypso gave. But when the eighth
revolving year was come, she bade me, even urged
me, to depart, whether through message sent from
Zeus or that her own mind changed. Upon a strong-
built raft she sent me forth, giving abundant food,
bread and sweet wine ; she clad me in immortal robes
and sent along my course a fair and gentle breeze.
For seventeen days I sailed across the sea ; on the
eighteenth there came in sight the dim heights of
your coast, and I was glad at heart — ill-fated I,
who yet must meet the sore distress which earth-
shaking Poseidon brought upon me. For he awoke
the winds and barred my progress, stirred marvelously
the waters, and the waves did not suffer me, spite of
my many groans, to ride my raft. This soon the
tempest shattered, but I by swimming forced my way
through the flood, till at your coast the wind and water
brought me in. Here, as I tried to land, the waves
upon the shore might well have overcome me, casting
me on great rocks and on forbidding ground ; but I
turned back and swam until I reached a stream where
the ground seemed most fit, so clear of stones and
sheltered from the breeze. Gathering my strength,
I staggered out, and the immortal night drew near.
Off to a distance from the heaven-descended stream
I walked, and fell asleep among the bushes, heaping
the leaves around ; and here God poured upon me a
slumber without end. For lying among the leaves and
108 THE ODYSSEY. [VII. 288-320.
sad at heart, I slept all night till morning, then till
noon ; the sun was going down as the sweet slumber
left me. And now upon the shore I saw your daugh-
ter's maids, playing a game, and she among them
seemed a goddess. To her I made entreaty, and she
did not lack sound judgment, such as you could not
hope that a young person meeting you w^ould show ;
for usually the young are giddy. She gave me bread
enough and sparkling wine, she bathed me in the
river and gave to me these clothes. Thus, though in
trouble, I have told you all the truth."
Then ansAvered him Alcinoiis and said : " Stranger,
in this my child behaved not rightly, in that she did
not bring you hither with her maids. Yet it was she
from whom you first sought aid."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Sire,
do not for this reproach the blameless girl. For she
instructed me to follow with the maids ; but I would
not, for fear and very shame, lest possibly your heart
might be offended at the sight. Suspicious creatures
are we sons of men on earth."
Then answered him Alcinoiis and said : " Stranger,
the heart within my breast is not one lightly troubled.
Better, good sense in all things. Ο father Zeus,
Athene, and Apollo, that such a man as you, so like
in mind to me, might take my child, be called my
son-in-law, and here abide! For I would give you
house and goods if you would like to stay. Against
your wish, shall no Phaeacian hold you. That, father
Zeus forbid ! Nay, I will fix your setting forth, and
you may rest secure ; to-morrow shall it be. And you
shall be lying all the time wrapt in a sleep, wdiile they
are speeding you along calm seas until you reach
your land and home or anywhere you please, though
VII. 321-347.] THE ODYSSEY. 109
that were far beyond Euboea, which is called the far-
thest shore by those among our people who once saw
it when they carried light-haired Rhadamanthus to
visit Tityus, the son of Gaia. So far they went, with-
out fatigue performing all, and on the self-same day
finished the journey home. But you yourself shall
judge how excellent my ships and j^oung men are in
tossing up the water with the oar."
He spoke, and glad was long-tried royal Odysseus,
who, making his prayer, uttered these words and
said :
" Ο father Zeus, all that Alcinoiis has said may he
fulfill. Then on the fruitful earth his name shall
never die, and I shall reach my home."
So they conversed together. Meantime white-
armed Arete bade her maids to set a bed beneath the
portico, to lay upon it beautiful purple rugs, spread
blankets over these, and then place woolen mantles
on the outside for a covering. So the maids left the
hall, with torches in their hands. And after they had
spread the comfortable bed with busy speed, they
summoned Odysseus, drawing near and saying : " Up,
stranger, come to sleep. Your bed is ready." So did
they speak, and to him rest seemed delightful. Thus
long-tried royal Odysseus lay down to sleep upon
the well-bored bedstead beneath the echoing portico.
But Alcinoiis slept in the recess of his high hall ; his
wife, the queen, making her bed beside him.
νιπ.
THE STAY IN PHAEACIA.
Soon as the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared, re-
vered Alcinoiis rose from bed, and up rose also high-
born Odysseus, spoiler of cities. And now revered
Alcinoiis led the way to the assembly - place of the
Phaeacians, which lay beside the ships. When they
were come, they took their seats on polished stones,
set side by side ; while Pallas Athene went through-
out the town in likeness of the page of wise Alcinoiis,
planning a safe return for brave Odysseus ; and ap-
proaching one and another man, she gave the word :
" Come hither, Phaeacian captains and councilors,
come, hasten to the assembly to hear about the stran-
ger who came but lately to the house of wise Alci-
noiis, when cast away at sea. In form he is like the
immortals."
With words like these she stirred in each a zeal and
a desire, and speedily the assembly-place and all its
seats were filled with those who came. Then many
marveled when they saw the wise son of Laertes ; for
Athene cast a wondrous grace about his head and
shoulders, and made him taller than before and
stouter to behold, that so he might find favor in all
Phaeacian eyes as one of power and worth, and that
he might win too the many games in which the Phaea^
cians tried Odysseus. So when they were assembled
and all had come together, Alcinoiis thus addressed
them, saying :
VIII. 26-59.] THE ODYSSEY. Ill
" Hearken, Phaeacian captains and councilors, and
let me tell you what the heart within ine bids. This
stranger — who he is I do not know — came hither as
a wanderer from peoples east or west. He begs us
for assistance and prays it be assured. Then let us,
even as heretofore, furnish assistance promptly ; for
never has a stranger reached my halls and tarried
long distressed for lack of aid. Come, let us launch
into the sacred sea a black ship, freshly fitted, and
let the two and fifty youths be chosen from the land
who have at former times been found the best. Then
after lashing carefully the oars upon the pins, all dis-
embark and take a hasty meal, coming for this to me ;
I will make good provision for you all. These are
my orders to the youths. But for the rest of you, you
sceptred kings, come to my goodly palace, that there
within my hall we entertain the stranger; let none
refuse ; and call the sacred bard, Demodocus, for
surely God has granted him exceeding skill in song,
to cheer us in whatever way his soul is moved to
sing."
So saying, he led the way, the sceptred princes
followed, and a page went to seek the sacred bard,
while two and fifty picked young men departed, as he
ordered, to the shore of the barren sea. On coming
to the ship and to the sea, they launched the black
ship into deep water, put mast and sail in the black
ship, fitted the oars into their leathern slings, all in
due order, and up aloft spread the white sail. Out
in the stream they moored her, then took their way
to the great house of wise Alcinoiis. Filled were the
porticoes, the courts, and rooms with those already
come ; many were there, both young and old. In their
behalf Alcinoiis sacrificed twelve sheep, eight white-
112 THE ODYSSEY. [\Ul. 60-90.
toothed swine, two swing-paced oxen ; tliese the men
flayed and served, and made a merry feast.
Meanwhile the page drew near, leading the honored
bard. The muse had greatly loved him, and had given
him good and ill : she took away his eyesight, but gave
delightful song. Pontonoiis placed for him among the
feasters a silver-studded chair, backed by a lofty pil-
lar, and hung the tuneful lyre upon its peg above his
head, and the page showed him how to reach it with
his hands. By him he set a tray and a good table,
and placed thereon a cup of wine to drink as need
should bid. So on the food spread out before them
they laid hands. Now after they had stayed desire
for drink and food, the muse impelled the bard to
sing men's glorious deeds, a lay whose fame was then
as wide as is the sky. He sang the strife of Odysseus
with Pelian Achilles, — how they once quarreled at
the gods' high feast with furious words, and Aga-
memnon, king of men, rejoiced in spirit when the
bravest of the Achaeans quarreled ; for Phoebus
Apollo had by oracle declared it so should be, at hal-
lowed Pytho, when Agamemnon crossed its stony
threshold to ask for a response. Then was the day
the tide of woe began to roll on Trojans and on Dana-
ans, according to the will of mighty Zeus.
So sang the famous bard. Meanwhile Odysseus
clutched his great purple cloak in his stout hands and
drew it round his head, hiding his beautiful face ; for
he felt shame before the Phaeacians as from beneath
his brow he dropped the tears. But when the sacred
bard paused in the song, Od^^sseus dried his tears,
took from his head the cloak, and seizing his double
cup poured offerings to the gods. Then as the other
would begin again, cheered on to sing by the Phaea-
VIII. 91-124.] THE ODYSSEY. 113
cian chiefs, — for they enjoyed the story, — again
would Odysseus, covering his head, break into sobs.
And thus he hid from all the rest the tears he shed ;
only Alcinoiis marked him and took heed, for he sat
near and heard his deep-drawn sighs ; and to the
Phaeacians, who delight in oars, he straightway said :
" Hearken, Phaeacian captains and councilors !
Now have we satisfied desire for the impartial feast
and for the lyre, which is the fellow of the stately
feast. Let us then come away and try all kinds of
games, so that the stranger, going home, may tell his
friends how greatly we surpass all other men in box-
ing, wrestling, leaping, speed of foot."
So saying, he led the way, the others followed after.
The page hung on its peg the tuneful lyre, then took
by the hand Demodocus and led him from the hall,
guiding his steps along the selfsame road by which
the rest of the Phaeacian chiefs went forth to view
the games. Thus to the assembly-place they came,
a great troop following after, thousands in number ;
and many a gallant youth stood waiting there. Forth
stood Acroneus, Ocyalus and Elatreus, Nauteus and
Prymneus, Anchialus and Eretmeus, Ponteus and
Proreus, Thoon, Anabasineiis and Amjihialus the son
of Polyneiis, son of the carpenter. Forth also stood
a youth like murderous Ares, Euryalus, the son of
Naubolus, who was the first in beauty and in stature
of all Phaeacians after brave Laodamas. Forth stood
three sons of good Alcinoiis, — Laodamas, Halius, and
matchless Clytoneus. At first they tried each other
in the foot-race. Straight from a mark their track
was measured ; and all flew swiftly off together, rais-
ing the dust along the plain. Best in the race was
gallant Clytoneiis ; and by such space as at the plough
114 THE ODYSSEY. [VIII. 125-155.
the mule-course runs, so far lie shot ahead and reached
the crowd; the rest were left behind. Next in the
hardy wrestling-match they had a trial, and here Eu-
ryalus surpassed all champions. At leaping Amphi-
alus was foremost of them all, while at the discus the
leader was Elatreus. In boxing it was Laodamas, the
good son of Alcinoiis. So when all hearts were glad-
dened by the games, up spoke Laodamas, son of Al-
cinoiis :
" Come, friends, and let us ask the stranger if he
knows games and has some skill in any. In build, at
all events, he is no common man, • — in thighs, and
calves, and arms above, strong neck, and massive
chest. Fit years he does not lack, only he has been
broken down by many hardships ; for nothing, I be-
lieve, is worse than sea^life for weakening a man, how-
ever strong he be."
Then answered him Euryalus, and said : " Lao-
damas, what you have said is rightly spoken. Go,
challenge him yourself, and give the message."
Now when the good son of Alcinoiis heard his
words, he went and stood before them all and thus
addressed Odysseus :
" Come, good old stranger, do jon also try the
games, if you have skill in any. Games jow. should
know. There is no greater glory for a man in all his
life than what he wins with his own feet and hands.
Come then, and try ! Drive trouble from your heart !
Your journey hence shall not be long delayed. Al-
ready the ship is launched, the sailors ready."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Lao-
damas, why mock me with this challenge ? Sorrow is
on my heart far more than games ; for in times past
much have I borne and much have toiled, and now I
VIII. 156-187.] THE ODYSSEY. 115
sit in your assembly longing for my home and suppli-
cate your king and all this people."
Then answered back Euryalus, and mocked him to
his face : " No indeed, stranger, you do not look like
one expert in games, much as these count with men ;
rather like one busied with ships of many oars, cap-
tain of seamen who are traders, one whose mind is on
his cargo, watching freights and greedy gains. You
are not like an athlete."
But looking sternly on him wise Odysseus said ;
" Stranger, your words are rude. You seem a reckless
person. So true it is that not to all alike the gods
grant grace, in stature, wisdom, and the power of
speech. For one man is in look inferior, but God
crowns his words with beauty, and men behold him
and rejoice ; with sure effect he speaks and a sweet
modesty ; he shines where men are gathered, and as
he walks the town men gaze as on some god. And
one again in look is like the immortals, but his is not
the crowning grace of words. So you, in look, are
excellent, — better God could not fashion, — but you
are weak in judgment. You stirred the very soul
within my breast by talking so unmannerly. No ! I
am not unskilled in games, as you declare ; I was
among the best, I think, while I could trust my vigor-
ous age and these my arms. Now I am overwhelmed
with pain and trouble ; for much have I endured,
cleaving my way through wars of men and through
the boisterous seas. Still even so, all woe-worn as I
am, I will attempt the games, because your words
were galling ; you provoked me, talking thus."
He spoke, and with his cloak still on he sprang
and seized a discus larger than the rest and thick,
heavier by not a little than those which the Phaea-
116 THE ODYSSEY. [VIII. 188-221.
cians were using for themselves. This with a twist
he sent from his stout hand. The stone hummed as
it went ; down to the ground crouched the Phaeacian
oarsmen, notable men at sea, at the stone's cast. Past
all the marks it flew, swift speeding from his hand.
Athene marked the distances, taking a human form,
and thus she spoke and cried aloud :
" A blind man, stranger, could pick you out that
mark by feeling merely, because it is not huddled
in the crowd, but lies ahead of all. Have a good
heart, this bout at least ; for no Phaeacian will reach
that or overpass it."
She spoke, and glad was long-tried royal Odysseus,
pleased that he saw a true friend in the ring. And
now with lighter heart he called to the Phaeacians :
" Come up to that, young men ! Soon I wiU send
another as far, I think, or farther. And if there is
one among jou all whose heart and spirit bids, come,
let him try me — for you vexed me very sore — in
boxing, wrestling, or the foot-race even ; it matters
not to me ; let any Phaeacian try, except Laodamas.
He is my host, and who would quarrel with his
entertainer ? Witless the man must be, and alto-
gether wortliless, who challenges his host to games
when in a foreign land ; he hinders his own welfare.
None of the rest I either dread or scorn, but I wiU
gladly know you all and prove you face to face. Not
at all weak am I in any games men practice. I un-
derstand full well handling the polished bow, and I
should be the first to strike my man by sending an
arrow in the throng of foes, however many comrades
stood around and shot at their men too. None except
Philoctetes excelled me with the bow at Troy, when
we Achaeans tried the bow. All others I declare I
VIII. 222-255.] THE ODYSSEY. 117
far surpass, all that are liviDg now and eating bread on
earth. The men of former days I will not seek to
rival — Hercules, and Eurytus of Oeehalia, — for
these would rival with the bow immortals even.
^Vherefore great Eurytus died all too soon ; no old
age came upon him in his home, because in wrath
Apollo slew him ; for Eurytus had challenged him to
try the bow. I send the spear farther than other men
an arrow. Only I fear that in the foot-race some
Phaeacian may outstrip me ; for rudely battered have
I been on many waters, because I had no ease at sea
for any length of time ; therefore my joints are weak-
ened."
So he spoke, and all were hushed to silence ; only
Alcinoiis answering said : " Stranger, without dis-
courtesy to us is all you say ; you merely seek to show
the prowess that is yours, indignant that the man be-
side you in the ring insulted you, though surely no man
would dispraise your prowess who knew within his
heart what it was fit to say. But listen now to words
of mine, that you may have tales to tell to other
heroes when, feasting in your hall with wife and
children, you recollect our prowess and the feats Zeus
has vouchsafed us from our fathers' days till now.
ΛΥβ are not faultless boxers, no, nor wrestlers ; but
in the foot-race we run swiftly, and in our shij^s ex-
cel. Dear to us ever is the feast, the harp, the dance,
changes of clothes, warm baths, and bed. Come then,
Phaeacian dancers, the best among you make us sport,
that so the stranger on returning home may tell his
friends how we surpass all other men in sailing, run-
ning, in the dance and song. Go, one of you, forth-
with, and fetch Demodocus the tuneful lyre that lies
within our haU."
118 THE ODYSSEY. [VIII. 256-287.
So spoke godlike Alcinoiis, and a page sprang to
fetcli from the king's house the hollow lyre. Then
rose the appointed umpires, nine in all, whose public
work it was to order all things at the ring ; they
smoothed the dancing-ground and cleared a fair wide
ring. Meanwhile the page drew near and brought
his tuneful lyre to Demodocus, who thereupon stepped
to the centre, and round him stood young men in the
first bloom of years, skillful at dancing. They struck
the splendid dance-ground with their feet ; Odysseus
watched their twinkling feet, and was astonished.
And now the bard, touching his lyre, began a beau-
tiful song about the loves of Ares and crowned Aphro-
dite : how at the first they lay together in the palace
of Hephaestus, privily ; and many a gift he gave, and
wronged the bed of lord Hephaestus. Soon to He-
phaestus came the tell-tale Sun, who had observed
their meeting. And when Hephaestus heard the gall-
ing tale, he hastened to his smithy meditating evil in
his heart, there set upon its block the mighty anvil
and forged him fetters none might break or loose, fet-
ters to hold securely. So after he had wrought his
snare, in anger against Ares, hastening to the cham-
ber where his own dear bed was set, around its posts
on every side he dropped his toils ; and many too
hung drooping from the rafter, like delicate spider-
webs which nobody could see, not even the blessed
gods, so shrewdly were they fashioned. Then after
he had spread the snare all round the bed, he made
a show of going off to Lemnos, that stately citadel
which in his sight is far the dearest of all spots on
earth. Now Ares of the golden rein had kept no
careless watch, and so espied craftsman Hephaestus
setting forth. He hastened to the house of famed
VIII. 288-320.] THE ODYSSEY. 119
Hephaestus, keen for the love of fair-crowned Cythe-
rea. She, just come home from visiting her sire, the
powerful son of Kronos, was sitting clown. He came
within the door, and holding her by the hand he spoke
and thus addressed her ;
" Come, dear, to bed, and let us take our pleasure ;
for Hephaestus is no longer here at home, but gone
at last to Lemnos, to the harsh-tongued Sintians."
He spoke, and pleasant it seemed to her to lie be-
side him. So the pair went and laid them down in
bed, and all about them dropped the toils fashioned
by shrewd Hephaestus ; it was not in their power to
move or raise a limb. This they saw only then when
there was no escape. But on them came the famous
strong-armed god, who had turned back before he
reached the land of Lemnos ; for in his stead the Sun
kept watch and told him all. He hastened to the
house, with heavy heart, stood at the porch, wild rage
upon him, and raised a fearful cry, calling to all the
gods :
" Ο Father Zeus, and all you other blessed gods
that live forever, come see a siglit for laughter, deeds
not to be endured ! For I being lame, this Aphrodite,
daughter of Zeus, ever dishonors me and gives her
love to deadly Ares, since he is handsome and is sound
of limb, while I was born a cripple. Yet nobody is
to blame for that but my two parents, — would they
had never given me birth ! But you shall see where lie
the loving pair who stole into my bed. I smart to see
them ! And yet I think they will not lie much longer
thus, however great their love. Shortly they will not
wish to sleep together ; but stiU my snare and mesh
shall hold them, till her father pays me back the many
wedding gifts I gave to get the shameless girl, —
seeing his child was fair, though not true-hearted."
120 THE. ODYSSEY. [YIII. 321-351.
He spoke, and tlie gods gathered at the brazen
threshold of his house. Poseidon came, who girds the
land, the fortune-bringer Hermes came, and the far-
working king Apollo. The goddesses for shame all
stayed at home. So at the portal stood the gods, the
givers of good things, and uncontrollable laughter
broke from the blessed gods as they beheld the arts
of shrewd Hephaestus ; and glancing at his neighbor
one would say :
*' AYrong-doing brings no gain. Slow catches swift ;
as here Hephaestus, who is slow, caught Ares, who is
swiftest of the gods that hold Olymjous, — catching
him by his craft, though lame himself. Now Ares
owes the adulterer's fine."
So they conversed together. And now to Hermes
spoke the king, the son of Zeus, Apollo : " Ο Hermes,
son of Zeus, guide, giver of good things, would you
not like, though loaded down with heavy bonds, to lie
in bed by golden Aphrodite ? "
Then answered him the guide, the Speedy-comer :
" Would it might be, far-shooting king Apollo,
though thrice as many bonds, bonds numberless,
should hold me fast, and all you gods and goddesses
shoidd come and see, would I might lie by golden
Aphrodite I "
He spoke, and laughter rose among the immortal
gods. But Poseidon did not laugh ; he earnestly en-
treated Hephaestus, the great craftsman, to loosen
Ares. And speaking in winged WOrds he said :
" Loose him, and I engage, as you desire, that he
shall pay all dues before the immortal gods."
Then said to him the famous strong-armed god :
" Poseidon, girder of the land, ask not for this. From
triflers, even pledges in the hand are trifles. How
VIII. 352-384.] THE ODYSSEY. 121
could I hold you bound before the immortal gods, if
Ares should evade both debt and bond and flee ? "
Then said to him the earth-shaker, Poseidon :
" Hephaestus, even if Ares does evade the debt and
flee, still I myself will pay."
Then answered him the famous strong-armed god :
" I cannot and I must not say you nay."
So saying, mighty Hephaestus raised the net, and
the pair loosed from out the net, so very strong,
sprang up forthwith. He went to Thrace ; but she,
the laughter-loving Aphrodite, came to Cyprus, into
the town of Paphos, where is her grove and fragrant
shrine. There did the Graces bathe her and anoint
her with imperishable oil, such as bedews the gods
that live forever, and they arrayed her in a dainty
robe, a marvel to behold.
So sang the famous bard. Odysseus joyed in heart
to hear, as did the others also, the Phaeacian oarsmen,
notable men at sea.
And now Alcinoiis called on Halius and Laodamas
to dance alone, for with them none could vie. So tak-
ing in their hands a goodly purple ball, which skill-
ful Polybus had made them, one, bending backward,
flung it toward the dusky clouds ; the other, leaping
upward from the earth, easily caught the ball before
his feet touched ground again. Then after they had
tried the ball straight in the air, they danced upon the
bounteous earth with tossings to and fro. Other
young men beat time for them, standing around the
ring, and a loud sound of stamping rose. Then to
Alcinoiis said royal Odysseus :
"Mighty Alcinoiis, renowned of all, you boasted
that your dancers were the best, and now it is proved
true. I am amazed to see."
122 THE QDYSSEY. [VIII. 335-417.
He spoke ; revered Alcinoiis was glad, and to the
Phaeacians, who delight in oars, he straightway said :
" Hearken, Phaeacian captains and councilors ! This
stranger truly seems a man of understanding. Come
then, and let us give such guest-gift as is meet.
Twelve honored kings bear sway throughout the land
and are its rulers, and a thirteenth am I. Let each
present him a spotless robe and tunic and a talent
of precious gold. And let us speedily fetch all
together, so that the stranger, having these in hand,
may come to supper glad at heart. Let too Euryalus
give satisfaction to the man, by word and gift, for his
speech was unbecoming."
He spoke, and all approved and gave their orders,
and for the bringing of the gifts each man sent forth
his page. But Euryalus made answer to the king and
said : " Mighty Alcinoiis, renowned of all, I will in-
deed give satisfaction to the stranger, as you bid ; for
I will give this brazen blade. Its hilt is silver, and a
sheath of fresh-cut ivory incloses it. Of great worth
he will find it."
So saying, he put into Odysseus' hands the silver-
studded sword, and speaking in winged words he said :
" Hail, good old stranger ! If any word was uttered
that was harsh, straight let the sweej)ing winds bear
it away. But the gods grant that you may see your
wife and reach your land ; for long cut off from
friends you have been meeting hardship."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " You
too, my friend, all hail ! May the gods grant you for-
tune, and may you never miss the sword you give,
making amends besides in what you say."
He spoke, and round his shoulders slung the silver-
studded sword. As the sun set, the noble gifts were
VIII. 418-Φ49.] THE ODYSSEY. 123
there ; stately pages bore them to the palace of Alci-
noiis, where the sons of good Alcinoiis, receiving
them, laid the fair gifts before their honored mother.
But for the princes revered Alcinoiis led the way, and
entering the house they sat them down on the high
seats. Then to Arete spoke revered Alcinoiis :
" Bring hither, wife, a serviceable chest, the best
you have, and lay therein a spotless robe and tunic.
Then heat upon the fire a caldron for the stranger
and warm some water, that, having bathed and seen
all gifts put safely by which the gentle Phaeacians
brought him, he may enjoy the feast and hear the sing-
er's song. Moreover I will give him my goodly
golden chalice, that as he pours libations at his hall to
Zeus and to the other gods he may be mindful all his
days of me."
He spoke, and Arete told the maids to set a great
kettle on the fire as quickly as they could. They set
the kettle which supplied the bath upon the blazing
fire, they poured in water, put the wood beneath, and
lighted. Around the belly of the kettle crept the
flame, and so the water warmed. Meanwhile Arete
brought the stranger a goodly chest from out the
chamber ; she put therein the beautiful gifts, — the
clothing and the gold which the Phaeacians gave, —
and she herself put in a robe and goodly tunic, and
speaking in winged words she said :
" Look to the lid yourself and quickly tie the cord,
lest some one rob you on the way, when sailing by
and by, on the black ship, you rest in pleasant sleep."
When long-tried royal Odysseus heard these words,
he straiglitway fitted on the lid and quickly tied the
cunning knot which potent Circe once had taught
him. Thereafter the housewife called him to come to
124 THE ODYSSEY. [VIII. 450-481.
the bath and bathe ; and he was pleased to see the
steaming water, for he was not used to care like this
since he had left fair-haired Calypso's home ; but
there he had as constant care as if he were a god.
Now when the maids had bathed him and anointed
him with oil and put upon him a goodly coat and
tunic, forth from the bath he came and went to join
the drinkers ; and Nausicaa, with beauty given her
of the gods, stood by a column of the strong-built
roof and marveled at Odysseus as she looked into
his eyes, and speaking in winged words she said :
" Stranger, farewell ! When you are once again
in your own land, remember me, and how before all
others it is to me you owe the saving of your life."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Nau-
sicaa, daughter of generous Alcinoiis, Zeus grant it
so — he the loud thunderer, husband of Here — that
I go home and see my day of coming. Then would I
there too, as to any god, give thanks to you forever,
all my days ; for, maiden, it was you who gave me
life."
He spoke, and took his seat by king Alcinoiis.
Men were already serving food and mixing wine.
The page drew near, leading the honored bard, Demo-
docus, beloved of all, and seated him among the feast-
ers, backed by a lofty pillar. Then to the page said
wise Odysseus, cutting a slice of chine, whereof still
more was left, from out a white-toothed boar, the rich
fat on its sides :
" Page, set before Demodocus this piece of meat,
that he may eat and I may do him homage, sad though
I be myself ; for at the hands of all on earth bards
meet respect and honor, because the muse has taught
them song and loves the race of bards."
VIII. 482-511.] THE ODYSSEY. 125
He spoke, and the page bore tlie food and put it
in the hands of lord Demodocus. He took it and was
glad, and on the food spread out before them they laid
hands. But after they had stayed desire for drink
and food, then to Demodocus said wise Odysseus :
*' Demodocus, I praise you beyond all mortal men,
whether your teacher was the muse, the child of
Zeus, or was Apollo. With perfect truth you sing
the lot of the Achaeans, all that they did and bore,
the whole Achaean struggle, as if yourself were there,
or you had heard the tale from one who was. Pass
on then now, and sing the building of the wooden
horse, made by Epeius with Athene's aid, which royal
Odysseus once conveyed into the citadel, — a thing of
craft, filled full of men, who by its means sacked Ilios.
And if you now relate the tale in its due order, forth-
with 1 will declare to all mankind how bounteously
God gave to you a wondrous power of song."
So he spoke. Thereat the other, stirred by the
god, began and showed his skill in song : starting the
story where some Argives boarding the well-benched
ships were setting sail and spreading fire through
the camp ; while others still, under renowned Odys-
seus, lay in the assembly of the Trojans all hidden
in the horse ; for the Trojans themselves had dragged
it to their citadel. So there it stood, while long and
uncertainly the people argued, seated around it.
Three plans were finding favor : either to split the
hollow trunk with ruthless axe ; or else to drag it to
the height and hurl it down the rocks ; or still to
spare the monstrous image, as a propitiation of the
gods. And thus at last it was to end ; for it was
fated they should perish so soon as their city should
inclose the enormous wooden horse, where all the Ar-
126 THE ODYSSEY. [VIII. 512-545.
give chiefs were lying, bearing to the Trojans death
and doom. He sang how they o'erthrew the town,
these sons of the Achaeans, issuing from the horse,
leaving their hollow ambush. Each for himself, he
sang, pillaged the stately city ; but Odysseus went
like Ares to the palace of Deiphobus with godlike
Menelaus ; and there, he said, braving the fiercest
fight, at last he won the day through resolute Athene.
So sang the famous bard. Odysseus melted into
tears, and all below his eyes his cheeks were wet.
And as a w^oman wails and clings to her dear husband,
who falls for town and people, seeking to shield his
home and children from the ruthless day ; seeing him
dying, gasping, she flings herself on him Λvith a pier-
cing cry ; while men behind, smiting her with their
spears on back and shoulder, force her along to bond-
age to suffer toil and trouble ; with pain most pitiful
her cheeks are thin ; so pitifully fell the tears beneath
Odysseus' brows. And yet he hid from all the rest
the tears he shed ; only Alcinoiis marked him and
took heed, for he sat near and heard his deep-draΛvn
sighs ; and to the Phaeacians, who delight in oars, he
straightway said :
" Hearken, Phaeacian captains and councilors, and
let Demodoeus hush now the tuneful lyre, because not
to the pleasure of us all he sings to-day ; for since we
supped and since the sacred bard began, this stranger
has not ceased from bitter sighs. Surely some grief
hovers about his heart. Let then the bard cease sing-
ing, that all alike be merry, stranger and entertainers,
for that is better far ; since for the worthy stranger's
sake all things are ready now, escort and friendly
gifts, which we grant heartily. Even as a brother is
the stranger and the suppliant treated by any man
v/ho feels a touch of wisdom.
VIII. 04G-579.] THE ODYSSEY. 127
'' And do not you, then, longer cautiously conceal
what I will ask ; plain speech is better. Tell me the
name by which at home your father and mother called
you, — they and the other folk, your townsmen and
your neighbors ; for none of all mankind can lack a
name, be he of low degree or high, when once he has
been born ; since in the very hour of birth parents give
names to all. And tell me of your land, your home,
and city, that thither our ships may bear you with a
discerning aim ; for on Phaeacian ships there are no
pilots, nor are there rudders such as other vessels
carry, but the ships understand the will and mind of
man. They know the cities and rich lands of every
nation, and swiftly they cross the sea-gulf, shrouded
in mist and cloud. On them there is no fear of being-
harmed or lost. Still, this is what I heard Nausi-
thoiis, my father, tell : he said Poseidon was displeased
because we were safe guides for all mankind ; and he
averred the god one day would wreck a stanch ship of
the Phaeacians, returning home from pilotage upon
the misty sea, and so would throw a lofty mound
about our city. That was the old man's tale, and this
God may fulfill, or else it may go unfulfilled, as pleases
him. But now declare me this and plainly tell where
you have wandered and what countries you have seen.
About the men and stately towns, too, let me hear, —
what ones were fierce and savage, with no regard for
right, what ones were kind to strangers and reverent
toward the gods. And tell me why you weep and
grieve within your breast on hearing of the lot of
Argive Danaans and of Ilios. This the gods wrought ;
they spun the thread of death for some, that others
in the time to come might have a song. Had you
some relative who fell at Ilios ? One who was dear ?
128 THE ODYSSEY. [VIII. 580-585.
some daughter's husband or wife's father ? — they
who stand closest to us after our flesh and blood. Or
was it perhaps some friend who pleased you well, a
gallant comrade ? For a friend with an understand-
ing heart is worth no less than a brother."
IX.
THE STORY TOLD TO ALCINOUS. — THE CYCLOPS.
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said :
" Mighty Alcinoiis, renowned of all, surely it is a
pleasant thing to hear a bard like this, one who is
even like the gods in voice. For more complete de-
light I think there cannot be than when good cheer
possesses a whole people, and feasting through the
houses they listen to a bard, seated in proper order,
while beside them stand the tables supplied with bread
and meat, and dipping wine from out the mixer the
pourer bears it round and fills the cups. That is a
sight most pleasing. Nevertheless your heart inclines
to learn my grievous woes, and thus to make me weep
and sorrow more. What shall I tell you first, then,
and what last ? For many are the woes the gods of
heaven have given me. First, I will tell my name, that
you, like all, may know it ; and I accordingly, seeking
deliverance from my day of doom, may be your guest-
friend, though my home is far away. I am Odysseus, •
son of Laertes, who for all craft am noted among men,
and my renown reaches to heaven. I live in Ithaca, a
land far seen ; for on it is the lofty height of Neriton,
covered with waving woods. Around lie many is-
lands, very close to one another, — Dovdichion, Same,
and woody Zacynthus. Ithaca itself lies low along
the sea, far to the west, — the others stretching east-
ward, toward the dawn, — a rugged land, and yet a
130 THE ODYSSEY. [IX. 27-59.
kindly nurse. A sweeter spot than my own land I
shall not see. Calypso, a heavenly goddess, sought to
keep me by her side within her hollow grotto, desir-
ing me to be her husband ; so too Aeaean Circe, full
of craft, detained me in her palace, desiring me to be
her husband ; but they never beguiled the heart within
my breast. Nothing more sweet than home and pa-
rents can there be, however rich one's dwelling far in
a foreign land, cut off from parents. But let me tell
you of the grievous journey home which Zeus ordained
me on my setting forth from Troy.
" The wind took me from Ilios and bore me to the
Ciconians, to Ismarus. There I destroyed the town
and slew its men ; but from the town we took the wo-
men and great stores of treasure, and parted all, that
none might go lacking his proper share. This done,
I warned our men swiftly to fly ; but they, in utter
folly, did not heed. Much wine was drunk, and they
slaughtered on the shore a multitude of sheep and
swing-paced, crook-horned oxen. Meanwhile, escaped
Ciconians began to call for aid on those Ciconians
who were their neighbors and more numerous and
brave than they, — a people dwelling inland, skillful
at fighting in chariot or on foot, as need might be.
Accordingly at dawn they gathered, thick as leaves
and flowers appear in spring. And now an evil fate
from Zeus beset our luckless men, causing us many
sorrows ; for setting the battle in array by the swift
ships, all fought and hurled their brazen spears at one
another. While it was morning and the day grew
stronger, we steadily kept them off and held our
ground, though they were more than we ; but as the
sun declined, toward stalling-time, then the Ciconians
turned our men and routed the iVchaeans. Six of the
IX. 60-93.] THE ODYSSEY. 131
crew of every ship fell in their harness there ; the rest
fled death and doom.
" Thence we sailed on with aching hearts, glad to
be clear of death, though missing our dear comrades ;
yet the curved ships did not pass on till we had called
three times to each poor comrade who died upon the
plain, cut off by the Ciconians. But now cloud-gath-
ering Zeus sent the north wind against our ships in a
fierce tempest, and covered with his clouds both land
and sea ; night broke from heaven. The ships drove
headlong onward, their sails torn into tatters by the
fury of the wind. These sails we lowered, in ter-
ror for our lives, and rowed the ships themselves
hurriedly toward the land. There for two nights and
days continuously we lay, gnawing our hearts because
of toil and trouble. But when the fair-haired dawn
brought the third day, we set our masts, and hoisting
the white sails we sat us down, while wind and helms-
men kept us steady. And now I should have come
unharmed to my own native land, but that the swell
and current, in doubling Maleia, and the north wind
turned me aside and drove me past Cythera.
" Thence for nine days I drifted before the deadly
winds along the swarming sea ; but on the tenth we
touched the land of Lotus-eaters, men who make food
of flowers. So here we went ashore and drew us
water, and soon by the swift ships my men prepared
their dinner. Then after we had tasted food and
drink, I sent some sailors forth to go and learn what
men who live by bread dwelt in the land, — selecting
two, and joining with them a herald as a third. Thesfe
straightway went and mingled with the Lotus-eaters,
and yet the Lotus-eaters had no thought of harm
against our men ; indeed, they gave them lotus to
132 THE ODYSSEY. [IX. 94-128.
taste ; but whosoever of them ate the lotus' honeyed
fruit wished to bring tidings back no more and never
to leave the place, but with the Lotus-eaters there de-
sired to stay, to feed on lotus and forget his going
home. These men I brought back weeping to the
ships by very force, and dragging them under the
benches of our hollow ships I bound them fast, and
bade my other trusty men to hasten and embark on
the swift ships, that none of them might eat the lotus
and forget his going home. Quickly they came
aboard, took places at the pins, and sitting in order
smote the foaming water with their oars.
" Thence we sailed on with aching hearts, and came
to the land of the Cyclops, a rude and lawless folk,
who, trusting to the immortal gods, plant with their
hands no plant, nor ever plough, but all things spring
unsown and without ploughing, — wheat, barley, and
grape-vines with wine in their heavy clusters, for rain
from Zeus makes the grape grow. Among this peo-
ple no assemblies meet ; they have no stable laws.
They live on the tops of lofty hills in hollow caves ;
each gives the law to his own wife and children, and
for each other they have little care.
"Now a rough island stretches along outside the
harbor, not close to the Cyclops' coast nor yet far out,
covered with trees. On it innumerable wild goats
breed ; no tread of man disturbs them ; none comes
here to follow hounds, to toil through woods and
climb the crests of hills. The island is not held for
flocks or tillage, but all unsown, untilled, it evermore
is bare of men and feeds the bleating goats. Among
the Cyclops are no red-cheeked ships, nor are there
shipwrights who might build the well-benched ships to
do them service, sailing to foreign cities ; as usually
IX. 129-162.] THE ODYSSEY. 133
men cross the sea in ships to one another. AVith
ships they might have worked the well-placed island ;
for it is not at all a worthless spot, but would bear all
things duly. For here are meadows on the banks
of the gray sea, moist, with soft soil ; here vines could
never die ; here is smooth ploughing-land ; a very
heavy crop, and always well in season, might be
reaped, for the under soil is rich. Here is a quiet
harbor, never needing moorings, — throwing out an-
chor-stones or fastening cables, — but merely to run
in and wait awhile till sailor hearts are ready and the
winds are blowing. Just at the harbor's head a spring
of sparkling water flows from beneath a cave ; around
it poplars grow. Here we sailed in, some god our
guide, through murky night ; there was no light to
see, for round the ships was a dense fog. No moon
looked out from heaven ; it was shut in with clouds.
So no one saw the island, and the long waves rolling
upon the shore we did not see until we beached our
well-benched ships. After the ships were beached,
we lowered all our sails and forth we went ourselves
upon the shore ; where falling fast asleep we awaited
sacred dawn.
"• But when the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared,
in wonder at the island we made a circuit round
it, and nymphs, daughters of segis-bearing Zeus,
started the mountain goats, to give my men a meal.
Forthwith we took our bending bows and our long
hunting spears from out the ships, and parted in
three bands began to shoot ; and soon God granted
ample game. Twelve ships were in my train ; to
each there fell nine goats, while ten they set apart for
me alone. Then all throughout the day till setting sun
we sat and feasted on abundant meat and pleasant
134 THE ODYSSEY. [IX. 163-194.
wine. For the ruddy wine of Gur ships was not yet
spent ; some still was left, because our crews took a
large store in jars the day we seized the sacred citadel
of the Ciconians. And now we looked across to the
land of the neighboring Cyclops, and marked the
smoke, the sounds of men, the bleat of sheep and
goats ; but when the sun went down and darkness
came, we laid us down to sleep upon the beach. Then
as the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared, holding a
council, I said to all my men :
" ' The rest of you, my trusty crews, stay for the
present here ; but I myself, with my own ship and
my own crew, go to discover who these men may be,
— if they are fierce and savage, with no regard for
right, or kind to strangers and reverent toward the
gods.'
" When I had spoken thus, I went on board my
ship, and called my crew to come on board and loose
the cables. Quickly they came, took places at the
pins, and sitting in order smote the foaming water
with their oars. But as we reached the neighboring
shore, there at the outer point, close to the sea, we
saw a cave, high, overhung with laurel. Here many
flocks of sheep and goats were nightly housed.
Around was built a j^ard with a high wall of deep-em-
bedded stone, tall pines, and crested oaks. Here a
man-monster slept, who shepherded his flock alone
and far apart ; with others he did not mingle, but
quite aloof followed his lawless ways. Thus had he
grown to be a marvelous monster ; not like a man who
lives by bread, but rather like a woody peak of the
high hills, seen single, clear of others.
" Now to my other trusty men I gave command to
stay there by the ship and guard the ship ; but I my-
IX. 195-227.] THE ODYSSEY. 135
self chose the twelve best among my men and sallied
forth. I had a goat-skin bottle of the dark sweet
wine given me by Maron, son of Evanthes, priest of
Apollo, who watches over Ismarus. He gave me this
because we guarded him and his son and wife, through
holy fear ; for he dwelt within the shady grove of
Phoebus Apollo. He brought me splendid gifts : of
fine-wrought gold he gave me seven talents, gave me
a mixino-bowl of solid silver, and afterwards filled
me twelve jars with wine, sweet and unmixed, a drink
for gods. None knew that wine among the slaves and
hand-maids of his house, none but himself, his own
dear wife, and one sole house-dame. Whenever they
drank the honeyed ruddy wine, he filled a cup and
poured it into twenty parts of water, and still from the
bowd came a sweet odor of a surprising strength ; then
to refrain had been no easy matter. I filled a large
skin full of this and took it with me, and also took
provision in a sack ; for my stout heart suspected I
soon should meet a man arrayed in mighty power, a
savage, ignorant of rights and laws.
" Quickly we reached the cave, but did not find
him there; for he was tending his fat flock afield.
Entering the cave, we looked around. Here crates
were standing, loaded down with cheese, and here
pens thronged with lambs and kids. In separate pens
each sort was folded : by themselves the older, by
themselves the later born, and by themselves the
younglings. Swimming with whey were all the ves-
sels, the well-wrought pails and bowls in which he
milked. Here at the very first my men entreated me
to take some cheeses and depart ; then quickly to
drive the kids and lambs to our swift ship out of the
pens, and sail away over the briny water. But I re-
136 THE ODYSSEY. [IX. 228-259.
fused, — far better had I yielded, — hoping that I
might see him and he might offer gifts. But he was
to prove, when seen, no pleasure to my men.
" Kindling a fire here, we made burnt offering and
we ourselves took of the cheese and ate ; and so we
sat and waited in the cave until he came from pasture.
He brought a ponderous burden of dry wood to use
at supper time, and tossing it down inside the cave
raised a great din. We hurried off in terror to a
corner of the cave. But into the wide-mouthed cave
he drove his sturdy flock, all that be milked ; the
males, both rams and goats, he left outside in the high
yard. And now he set in place the huge door-stone,
lifting it high in air, a ponderous thing ; no two and
twenty carts, stanch and four-wheeled, could start it
from the ground ; such was the rugged rock he set
against the door. Then sitting down, he milked the
ewes and bleating goats, all in due order, and under-
neath put each one's young. Straightway he curdled
half of the white milk, and gathering it in wicker
baskets, set it by ; half he left standing in the pails,
ready for him to take and drink, and for his supper
also. So after he had busily performed his tasks, he
kindled a fire, noticed us, and asked :
" ' Ha, strangers, who are you ? Where do you
come from, sailing the watery ways ? Are you upon
some business ? Or do you rove at random, as the
pirates roam the seas, risking their lives and bringing
ill to strangers ? '
" As he thus spoke, our very souls were crushed
within us, dismayed by the heavy voice and by the
monster's self ; nevertheless I answered thus and
said:
" ' ΛΥβ are from Troy, Achaeans, driven by shifting
IX. 260-289.] THE ODYSSEY, 137
winds out of our course across the great gulf of tlie
sea ; homeward we fared, but through strange ways
and wanderings are come hither ; so Zeus was pleased
to purpose. Subjects of Agamemnon, son of Atreus,
we boast ourselves to be, whose fame is now the widest
under heaven ; so great a town he sacked, so many-
men he slew. But chancing here, we come before
your knees to ask that you will offer hospitality, and
in other ways as well will give the gift which is the
stranger's due. Ο mighty one, respect the gods. We
are your suppliants, and Zeus is the avenger of the
suppliant and the stranger ; he is the stranger's friend
and waits on worthy strangers.'
" So I spoke, and from a ruthless heart he straight-
way answered : ' You are simple, stranger, or come
from far away, to bid me dread the gods or shrink be-
fore them. The Cyclops pay no heed to aegis-bearing
Zeus, nor to the blessed gods ; because we are much
stronger than themselves. To shun the wrath of Zeus,
I would not spare you or your comrades, did my heart
not bid. But tell me where you left your stanch ship
at your coming. At the far shore, or near ? Let me
but know.'
"He thought to tempt me, but he could not cheat
a knowing man like me ; and I again replied with
words of guile : ' The Earth-shaker, Poseidon, wrecked
my ship and cast her on the rocks at the land's end,
drifting her on a headland ; the wind blew from the
sea ; and I with these men here escaped impending
ruin.'
" So I spoke, and from a ruthless heart he answered
nothing, but starting up laid hands on my compan-
ions. He seized on two and dashed them to the
ground as if they had been dogs. Their brains ran
138 THE ODYSSEY. [IX. 290-322.
out upon the floor, and wet the earth. Tearing them
limb from limb, he made his supper, and ate as does
a mountain lion, leaving nothing, entrails, or flesh, or
marrow bones. We in our tears held up our hands
to Zeus, at sight of his reckless deeds ; helplessness
held our hearts. But when the Cyclops had filled his
monstrous maw by eating human flesh and pouring
down pure milk, he laid himself in the cave full length
among his flock. And I then formed the plan within
my daring heart of closing on him, drawing my sharp
sword from my thigh, and stabbing him in the breast
where the midriff holds the liver, feeling the place out
with my hand. Yet second thoughts restrained me,
for there we too had met with utter ruin ; for we
could never with our hands have pushed from the
lofty door the enormous stone which he had set against
it. Thus then with sighs we awaited sacred dawn.
" But when the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared,
he kindled a fire, milked his goodly flock, all in due
order, and underneath put each one's young. Then
after he had busily performed his tasks, seizing once
more two men, he made his morning meal. And
when the meal was ended, he drove from the cave his
sturdy flock, and easily moved the huge door-stone ;
but afterwards he put it back as one might put the lid
upon a quiver. Then to the hills, with many a call,
he turned his sturdy flock, while I was left behind
brooding on e\'u and thinking how I might obtain re-
venge, would but Athene grant my prayer. And to
my mind this seemed the wisest way. There lay be-
side the pen a great club of the Cyclops, an olive stick
still green, which he had cut to be his staff when
dried. Inspecting it, we giiessed its size, and thought
it like the mast of a black ship of twenty oars, —
IX. 323-353.] THE ODYSSEY. 139
some broad-built mercbantman wbicb sails the great
gulf of the sea ; so huge it looked in length and thick-
ness. I went and cut away a fathom's length of this,
laid it before my men, and bade them shape it down ;
they made it smooth ; I then stood by to point the tip
and, laying hold, I charred it briskly in the blazing
fire. The piece I now put carefully away, hiding it in
the dung which lay about the cave in great abun-
dance ; and then I bade my comrades fix by lot who
the bold men should be to help me raise the stake and
grind it in his eye, when pleasant sleep should come.
Those drew the lot whom I myself would fain have
chosen ; four were they, for a fifth I counted in myself.
He came toward evening, shepherding the fleecy flock,
and forthwith drove his sturdy flock, into the wide-
mouthed cave, all with much care ; he did not leave a
sheep in the high yard outside, either through some
suspicion, or God bade him so to do. Again he set in
place the huge door-stone, lifting it high in air, and,
sitting down, he milked the ewes and bleating goats,
all in due order, and underneath put each one's young.
Then after he had busily performed his tasks, he
seized once more two men and made his supper. And
now it was that drawing near the Cyclops I thus
spoke, holding within my hands an ivy bowl filled
with dark wine :
" ' Here, Cyclops, drink some wine after your meal
of human flesh, and see what sort of liquor our ship
held. I brought it as an offering, thinking that you
might pity me and send me home. But you are mad
past bearing. Reckless! How should a stranger
come to you again from any people, when you have
done this wicked deed ? '
" So I spoke ; he took the cup and drank it off, and
140 THE ODYSSEY. [IX. 354-384.
mightily pleased he was with the taste of the sweet
liquor, and thus he asked me for it yet again :
" ' Give me some more, kind sir, and straightway
tell your name, that I may give a stranger's gift with
which you shall be pleased. Ah yes, the Cyclops'
fruitful fields bear wine in their heavy clusters, for
rain from Zeus makes the grape grow; but this is
a bit of ambrosia and nectar.'
" So he spoke, and I again offered the sparkling
wine. Three times I brought and gave ; three times
he drank it in his folly. Then as the wine began to
dull the Cyclops' senses, in winning words I said to
him :
" ' Cyclops, you asked my noble name, and I will
tell it ; but do you give the stranger's gift, just as you
promised. My name is Noman. Noman I am called
by mother, father, and by all my comrades.'
" So I spoke, and from a ruthless heart he straight-
way answered : ' Noman I eat up last, after his com-
rades ; all the rest first ; and that shall be the stran-
ger's gift for you.'
" He spoke, and sinking back fell flat ; and there he
lay, lolling his thick neck over, till sleep, that conquers
all, took hold upon him. Out of his throat poured
wine and scraps of human flesh ; heavy with wine, he
spewed it forth. And now it was I drove the stake
under a heap of ashes, to bring it to a heat, and wdth
my words emboldened all my men, that none might
flinch through fear. Then when the olive stake, green
though it was, was ready to take fire, and through and
through was all aglow, I snatched it from the fire,
while my men stood around and Heaven inspired us
with great courage. Seizing the olive stake, sharp at
the tip, they plunged it in his eye, and I, perched up
IX. 385^16.] THE ODYSSEY. 141
above, whirled it around. As when a man bores ship-
beams with a drill, and those below keep it in motion
with a strap held by the ends, and steadily it runs ;
even so we seized the fire-pointed stake and whirled it
in his eye. Blood bubbled round the heated thing.
The vapor singed off all the lids around the eye,
and even the brows, as the ball burned and its roots
crackled in the flame. As when a smith dips a great
axe or adze into cold water, hissing loud, to temper it,
— for that is strength to steel, — so hissed his eye about
the olive stake. A hideous roar he raised ; the rock
resounded ; we hurried off in terror. He wrenched the
stake from out his eye, all dabbled with the blood, and
flung it from his hands in frenzy. Then he called
loudly on the Cyclops who dwelt about him in the
caves, along the windy heights. They heard his cry,
and ran from every side, and standing by the cave
they asked what ailed him :
" ' lYhat has come on you, Polyphemus, that you
scream so in the immortal night, and keep us thus
from sleeping ? Is a man driving off your flocks in
spite of you ? Is a man murdering you by craft or
force ? '
" Then in his turn from out the cave big Polyphe-
mus answered : ' Friends, Noman is murdering me by
craft. Force there is none.'
" But answering him in winged words they said :
' If no man harms you then when you are left alone,
illness which comes from mighty Zeus you cannot fly.
But make your prayer to your father, lord Poseidon.'
'' This said, they went 'their way, and in my heart
I laughed, — my name, that clever notion, so deceived
them. But now the Cyclops, groaning and in agonies
of anguish, by groping with his hands took the stone
142 THE ODYSSEY. [IX. 417-448.
off the door, yet sat himself inside the door with hands
outstretched, to catch whoever ventured forth among
the sheep ; for he probably hoped in his heart that I
should be so silly. But I was planning how it all
might best be ordered that I might win escape from
death both for my men and me. So many a plot and
scheme I framed, as for my life ; great danger was at
hand. Then to my mind this seemed the wisest way :
some rams there were of a good breed, thick in the
fleece, handsome and large, which bore a dark blue
wool. These I quietly bound together with the twisted
willow withes on which the giant Cyclops slept, —
the brute, — taking three sheep together. One, in
the middle, carried the man ; the other two walked by
the sides, keeping my comrades safe. Thus three
sheep bore each man. Then for myself, — there was
a ram, by far the best of all the flock, whose back I
grasped, and curled beneath his shaggy belly there
I lay, and with my hands twisted in that enormous
fleece I steadily held on, with patient heart. Thus
then with sighs we awaited sacred dawn.
" Soon as the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared, the
rams hastened to pasture, but the ewes bleated un-
milked about the pens, for their udders were well-
nigh bursting. Their master, racked with grievous
pains, felt over the backs of all the sheep as they
stood up, but foolishly did not notice how under the
breasts of the woolly sheep men had been fastened.
Last of the flock, the ram walked to the door, cramped
by his fleece and me the crafty plotter ; and feeling
him over, big Polyphemus said :
" ' What, my pet ram ! Why do you move across
the cave hindmost of all the flock? Till now you
never lagged behind, but with your long strides you
IX. 449-479.] THE ODYSSEY. 143
were always first to crop the tender blooms of grass ;
you were the first to reach the running streams, and
first to wish to turn to the stall at night : yet here you
are the last. Ah, but you miss your master's eye,
which a villain has put out, — he and his vile compan-
ions, — blunting my wits with wine. Noman it was,
— not, I assure him, safe from destruction yet. If
only you could sympathize and get the power of speech
to say where he is skulking from my rage, then should
that brain of his be knocked about the cave and dashed
upon the ground. So might my heart recover from
the ills which miserable Noman brought upon me.'
" So saying, from his hand he let the ram go forth ;
and after we were come a little distance from the cave
and from the yard, first from beneath the ram I freed
myself and then set free my comrades. So at quick
pace we drove away those long-legged sheep, heavy
with fat, many times turning round, until we reached
the ship. A welcome sight we seemed to our dear
friends, as men escaped from death. Yet for the
others they began to weep and wail ; but this I did
not suffer ; by my frowns I checked their tears. In-
stead, I bade them straightway toss the many fleecy
sheep into the ship, and sail away over the briny
water. Quickly they came, took places at the pins,
and sitting in order smote the foaming water with
their oars. But when I was as far away as one can
call, I shouted to the Cyclops in derision :
" ' Cyclops, no weakling's comrades you were des-
tined to devour in the deep cave, with brutal might.
But it was also destined your bad deeds should find
you out, audacious wTctch, who did not hesitate to eat
the guests within your house ! For this did Zeus
chastise you, Zeus and the other gods.'
144 THE ODYSSEY. [IX. 480-511.
" So I spoke, and lie was angered in his heart the
more ; and tearing off the top of a high hill, he flung
it at us. It fell before the dark-bowed ship a little
space, but failed to reach the rudder's tip. The sea
surged underneath the stone as it came down, and
swiftly toward the land the wash of water swept us,
like a flood-tide from the deep, and forced us back to
shore. I seized a setting-pole and shoved the vessel
off ; then inspiriting my men, I bade them fall to their
oars that we might flee from danger, — with my head
making signs, — and bending f orw^ard, on they rowed.
When we had traversed twice the distance on the sea,
again to the Cyclops would I call ; but my men, gath-
ering round, sought with soft words to stay me, each
in his separate wise :
" ' Ο reckless man, why seek to vex this savage,
who even now, hurling his missile in the deep, drove
the ship back to shore ? We verily thought that we
were lost. And had he heard a man make but a
sound or speak, he would have crushed our heads and
our ships' beams, by hurling jagged granite stone ; for
he can throw so far.'
" So they spoke, but did not move my daring spirit ;
again I called aloud out of an angry heart : ' Cyclops,
if ever mortal man asks you the story of the ugly
blinding of your eye, say that Odysseus made you
blind, the spoiler of cities, Laertes' son, whose home
is Ithaca.'
" So I spoke, and with a groan he answered : ' Ah,
surely now the ancient oracles are come upon me !
Here once a prophet lived, a prophet brave and tall,
Telemus, son of Eurymus, who by his prophecies ob-
tained renown and in prophetic works grew old among
the Cyclops. He told me it should come to pass in
IX. 512-542.] THE ODYSSEY. 145
af tertime that I should lose my sight by means of one
Odysseus ; but I was always watching for the coming
of some tall and comely person, arrayed in mighty
power ; and now a little miserable feeble creature
blinded me of my eye, overcoming me with wine.
Nevertheless, come here, Odysseus, and let me give
the stranger's gift, and beg the famous Land-shaker
to aid you on your way. His son am I ; he calls him-
self my father. He, if he will, shall heal me ; none
else can, whether among the blessed gods or mortal
men.'
" So he spoke, and answering him said I : ' Ah,
would I might as surely strip you of life and being
and send you to the house of Hades, as it is sure the
Earth-shaker will never heal your eye ! '
" So I spoke, whereat he prayed to lord Poseidon,
stretching his hands forth toward the starry sky :
' Hear me, thou girder of the land, dark-haired Posei-
don ! If I am truly thine, and thou art called my
father, vouchsafe no coming home to this Odysse.us,
spoiler of cities, Laertes' son, whose home is Ithaca.
Yet if it be his lot to see his friends once more, and
reach his stately house and native land, late let him
come, in evil plight, with loss of all his crew, on the
vessel of a stranger, and may he at his home find trou-
ble.'
" So spoke he in his prayer, and the dark-haired
god gave ear. Then once more picking up a stone
much larger than before, the Cyclops swung and sent
it, putting forth stupendous power. It fell behind the
dark-bowed ship a little space, but failed to reach the
rudder's tip. The sea surged underneath the stone as
it came down, but the wave swept us forward and
forced us to the shore.
146 THE ODYSSEY. [IX. 543-566.
" Now when we reached the island where our other
well-benched ships waited together, while their crews
sat round them sorrowing, watching continually for
us, as we ran in we beached our ship among the sands,
and forth we went ourselves upon the shore. Then
taking the Cyclops' sheep out of the hollow ship, we
parted all, that none might go lacking his proper
share. The ram my mailed companions gave to me
alone, a mark of special honor in the division of the
flock ; and on the shore I offered him to Zeus of the
dark cloud, the son of Kronos, who is the lord of all,
burning the thighs. He did not heed the sacrifice.
Instead, he purposed that my well-benched ships
should all be lost, and all my trusty comrades. But
all throughout that day till setting sun we sat and
feasted on abundant meat and pleasant wine ; and
when the sun went down and darkness came, we laid
us down to sleep upon the beach. Then as the early
rosy-fingered dawn appeared, inspiriting my men, I
bade them come on board and loose the cables.
Quickly they came, took places at the pins, and sit-
ting in order smote the foaming water with their oars.
" Thence we sailed on, with aching hearts, glad to
be clear of death, though missing our dear comrades."
AEOLUS, THE LAESTRYGONIANS, AND CIRCE.
" Soon we drew near the island of Aeolia, where
Aeolus, the son of Hippotas, dear to immortal gods,
dwelt on a floating island. All round it is a wall of
bronze, not to be broken through, and smooth and
steep rises the rocky shore. Within the house of
Aeolus, twelve children have been born, six daughters
and six sturdy sons, and here he gave his daughters to
his sons to be their wives. Here too with their loved
father and honored mother they hold continual feast-
ing; before them countless viands lie. By day the
steaming house resounds even to its court ; by night
they sleep by their chaste wives under the coverlets on
well-bored bedsteads. Their city it was we reached,
their goodly dwelling. For a full month he made me
welcome, and he questioned me of all, of Ilios, the Ar-
give ships, and the return of the Achaeans. So I re-
lated all the tale in its due order. And when I fur-
thermore asked him about my journey and entreated
him for aid, he did not say me nay, but made provi-
sion for my going. He gave me a sack, — flaying
therefor a nine-year ox, — and in it bound the courses
of the blustering winds ; for the son of Kronos made
him steward of the winds, to stay or rouse which one
he would. Upon my hollow ship he tied the sack with
a bright cord of silver, that not a breath might stir,
however little. Then for my aid he sent the west
Ϊ48 THE ODYSSEY. [Χ. 25-57.
wind forth, to blow and bear along my ships and men.
But it was not to be ; by our folly we were lost.
" Nine days we sailed, as well by night as day.
Upon the tenth our native fields appeared, so close at
hand that we could see men tending fires. Then sweet
sleep overcame me, wearied as I was ; for I had all
the time managed the vessel's sheet and jdelded it to
no one else among the crew, that so we might the
sooner reach our native land. Meanwhile my men
began to talk with one another, and to tell how I was
bringing gold and silver home as gifts from Aeolus,
the generous son of Hippotas ; and glancing at his
neighbor one would say :
" ' Lo, how this man is welcomed and esteemed by
all mankind, come to whose town and land he may !
He brings a store of goodly treasure out of the spoils
of Troy, while we, who toiled along the selfsame road,
come home vnth empty hands. Now Aeolus gives him
friendly gifts. Come, then, and let us quickly see
what there is here, and how much gold and silver the
sack holds.'
" Such was their talk, and the ill counsel of the
crew prevailed ; they loosed the sack, and out rushed
all the winds. Straightway a sweej)ing storm bore off
to sea my weeping comrades, far from their native
land. And I, awaking, hesitated in my gallant heart
whether to cast myself out of the ship into the sea and
perish there, or saying nothing to endure and bide
among the living. I forced myself to stay ; covering
my head, I laid me down, the while the ships were
driven by the cruel storm of wind back to the island
of Aeolia, my comrades sighing sore.
" So here we went ashore and drew us water, and
soon by the swift ships my men prepared a meal.
χ. 58-87.] THE ODYSSEY. 149
Then after we had tasted food and drink, taking a
herald and a comrade with me, I turned me toward
the lordly house of Aeolus. I found him at the feast,
beside his wife and children. We entered the hall
and on the threshold by the doorposts sat us down ;
and they all marveled in their hearts and questioned :
" ' How came you here, Odysseus ? What hostile
power assailed you ? With care we sent you forth,
to let you reach your land and home or anywhere you
pleased.'
" So they spoke, and with an aching heart I an-
swered : ' A wicked crew betrayed me — they and a
cruel sleep. Bub heal my woes, my friends, for you
have power.'
" So I spoke, addressing them in humble words.
Then all the rest were silent, but the father answered
thus : ' Out of the island instantly, vilest of all that
live ! I may not aid or send upon his way a man
detested by the blessed gods. Begone ! for you are
here because detested by the immortals.'
" Therewith he turned me loud lamenting from his
door. Thence we sailed on, with aching hearts. AVorn
was the spirit of my men under the heavy rowing,
caused by our folly too ; aid on our way appeared no
more.
" Six days we sailed, as well by night as day, and
on the seventh came to the steep citadel of Lamos,
Telepylus in Laestrygonia, where one shepherd lead-
ing home his flock calls to another, and the other an-
swers as he leads his own flock forth. Here a man
who never slept might earn a double wage : this, herd-
ing kine ; that, tending silvery sheep ; so close are the
outgoings of the night and day. Now when we
reached the splendid harbor, — round which the rock
150 THE ODYSSEY. . [X. 88-121.
runs steep, continuous all the way, and the projecting
cliffs, facing each other, stretch forward at the mouth,
and narrow is the entrance, — into the basin all the
rest steered their curved ships, and so the ships lay in
the hollow harbor close-anchored, side by side ; for no
wave swelled within it, large or small, but a clear calm
was all around. I alone posted my black ship with-
out the harbor, there at the point, lashing my cables
to the rock. Then climbing up, I took my stand on a
rugged point of outlook. From it no work of man or
beast was to be seen, only we saw some smoke ascend-
ing from the ground. So I sent sailors forth to go
and learn what men who live by bread dwelt in the
land, — selecting two, and joining with them a herald
as a third. Leaving the ship, they took a beaten
road where carts brought timber from the lofty hills
down to the town below. Before the town they met a
maiden drawing water, the stately daughter of the
Laestrygonian Antiphates. She had come down to
the clear-flowing fountain of Artacia, from which they
used to fetch the water for the town. So my men,
drawing near, addressed her and inquired who was the
king of the folk here and whom he ruled ; whereat she
pointed to her father's high-roofed house. But when
they entered the lordly hall, they found a woman there
huge as a mountain peak ; at her they were aghast.
Forthwith she called from the assembly noble Anti-
phates, her husband, who sought to bring upon my
men a miserable end. Straight seizing one, he made
his meal of him ; and the two others, dashing off, came
flying to the ships. Thereat he raised a cry through-
out the town, and hearing it, the mighty Laestrygo-
nian s gathered from here and there, seeming not men
but giants. Then from the rocks they hurled down
χ. 122-155.] THE ODYSSEY. 151
ponderous stones ; and soon among the ships arose a
dreadful din of dying men and crashing ships. As
men spear fish, they gathered in their loathsome meal.
But while they slaughtered these in the deep harbor,
I drew my sharp sword from my thigh and cut the
cables of my dark-bowed ship ; and quickly inspiriting
my men, I bade them fall to their oars, that we might
flee from danger. They all tossed up the water, in
terror for their lives, and cheerily to sea, away from
the beetling cliff, my ship sped on ; but all the other
ships went down together there.
" Thence we sailed on with aching hearts, glad to
be clear of death, though missing our dear comrades.
And now we reached the island of Aeaea, where fair-
haired Circe dwelt, a mighty goddess, human of speech.
She was own sister of the sorcerer Aeetes ; both were
the children of the beaming Sun and of a mother
Perse, the daughter of Oceanus. Here we bore land-
ward with our ship and ran in silence into a sheltering
harbor, God our guide. Landing, we lay two days
and nights, gnawing our hearts because of toil and
trouble ; but when the fair-haired dawn brought the
third day, I took my spear and my sharp sword, and
from the ship walked briskly up to a place of distant
view, hoping to see some work of man or catch some
voice. So climbing up, I took my stand on a rugged
point of outlook, and smoke appeared rising from
open ground at Circe's dwelling, through some oak
thickets and a wood. Then for a time I doubted in
my mind and heart whether to go and search the mat-
ter while I saw the flaring smoke. Reflecting thus,
it seemed the better way first to return to the swift
ship and to the shore ; there give my men their din-
ner, and send them forth to search.
152 THE ODYSSEY. [X. 156-189.
'* But on my way, as I drew near to the curved
sliip, some god took pity on me all forlorn, and sent a
high-liorned deer into my very path. From feeding
in the wood he came to the stream to drink, for the
sun's power oppressed him. As he stepped out, I
struck him in the spine midway along the back ; the
bronze spear pierced him through ; down in the dust
he fell with a moan, and his life flew away. Setting
my foot upon him, I drew from the wound the brazen
spear and laid it on the ground ; then I plucked twigs
and osiers, and wove a rope a fathom long, twisted
from end to end, with which I bound together the mon-
strous creature's legs. So with him upon my back I
walked to the black ship leaning upon my spear, be-
cause it was not possible to hold him with my hand
upon my shoulder ; for the beast was very large. Be-
fore the ship I threw him down and then with cheer-
ing words aroused my men, standing by each in turn :
" ' AVe shall not, friends, however sad, go to the
halls of Hades until our destined day. But while
there still is food and drink in the swift ship, let us
attend to eating and not waste away with hunger.'
" So I spoke, and my words they quickly heeded.
Throwing their coverings off upon the shore beside
the barren sea, they gazed upon the deer ; for the beast
was very large. Then after they had satisfied their
eyes with gazing, they washed their hands and made
a glorious feast. Thus all throughout the day till set-
ting sun we sat and feasted on abundant meat and
pleasant wine ; and when the sun went down and
darkness came, we laid us down to sleep upon the
beach. Then as the early rosy-fingered dawn ap-
peared, holding a council, I said to all my men :
" ' My suffering comrades, hearken to my words :
χ. 190-222.] THE ODYSSEY. 153
for since, my friends, we do not know the place of
dusk or dawn, the place at which the beaming sun
goes under ground nor where he rises, let us at once
consider if a wise course is left. I do not think there
is ; for I saw, on climbing to a rugged outlook, an is-
land which the boundless deep encircles like a crown.
Low in the sea it lies ; midway across, I saw a smoke
through some oak thickets and a wood.'
" As I thus spoke, their very souls were crushed
within them, remembering the deeds of Laestrygonian
Antiphates and the cruelty of the daring Cyclops, the
devourer of men. They cried aloud and let the big
tears fall ; but no good came to them from their la-
menting.
" Now the whole body of my mailed companions I
told off in two bands, and to each band assigned a
leader : the one I led, godlike Eurylochus the other.
Straightway we shook the lots in a bronze helmet,
and the lot of bold Eurylochus leapt out the first.
So he departed, two and twenty comrades following,
all in tears ; and us they left in sorrow too behind.
AYithin the glades they found the house of Circe, built
of smooth stone upon commanding ground. All round
about were mountain wolves and lions, which Circe
had charmed by giving them evil drugs. These crea-
tures did not spring upon my men, but stood erect,
wagging their long tails, fawning. As hounds fawn
round their master when he comes from meat, because
he always brings them dainties that they like, so round
these men the strong-clawed wolves and lions fawned.
Still my men trembled at the sight of the strange
beasts. They stood before the door of the fair-haired
goddess, and in the house heard Circe singing with
sweet voice, while tending her great imperishable loom
154 THE ODYSSEY. [X. 223-252.
and weaving webs, fine, beautiful, and lustrous as are
the works of gods. Polites was the first to speak, one
ever foremost, and one to me the nearest and the dear-
est of my comrades :
" ' Ah, friends, somebody in the house is tending a
great loom and singing sweetly ; all the pavement
rings. It is a god or woman. Then let us quickly
call.'
"He spoke, the others lifted up their voice and
called; and suddenly coming forth, she opened the
shining doors and bade them in. The rest all fol-
lowed, heedless. Only Eurylochus remained behind,
suspicious of a snare. She led them in and seated
them on couches and on chairs, and made a potion for
them, — cheese, barley, and yellow honey, stirred into
Pramnian wine, — but mingled with the food perni-
cious drugs, to make them quite forget their native
land. Now after she had given the cup and they had
drunk it off, straight with a wand she smote them and
penned them up in sties ; and they took on the heads
of swine, the voice, the bristles, and even the shape, yet
was their reason as sound as heretofore. Thus, weep-
ing, they were penned ; and Circe flung them acorns,
chestnuts, and cornel-fruit to eat, such things as swine
that wallow in the mire are wont to eat.
" Eurylochus, meanwhile, came to the swift black
ship to bring me tidings of my men and tell their bit-
ter fate. Strive as he might, he could not speak a
word, so stricken was he to the soul with great dis-
tress ; his eyes were filled with tears, his heart felt
anguish. But when we all in great amazement ques-
tioned him, then he described the loss of all his men :
" ' We went, as you commanded, noble Odysseus,
through the thicket and found within the glades a
χ 253-282.] THE ODYSSEY. 155
beautiful house, built of smooth stone upon command-
ing ground. There somebody was tending a great
loom and singing loud, some god or woman. The
others lifted up their voice and called ; and suddenly
coming forth, she opened the shining doors and bade
them in. The rest all followed, heedless ; but I re-
mained behind, suspicious of a snare. They vanished,
one and all ; not one appeared again, though long I
sat and watched.'
"So he spoke ; I slung my silver-studded sword
about my shoulders, — large it was and made of
bronze, — and my bow with it, and bade him lead me
back the selfsame way. But he, clasping my knees
with both his hands, entreated me, and sorrowfidly
said in winged words :
" ' Ο heaven-descended man, bring me not there
against my will, but leave me here ; for well I know
you never will return, nor will you bring another of
your comrades. Rather, with these now here, let us
speed on ; for we might even yet escape the evil day.'
" So he spoke, and answering him said I : ' Eurylo-
chus, remain then here yourself, eating and drinking
by the black hollow ship ; but I will go, for strong
necessity is laid on me.'
" Saying this, I passed up from the ship and from
the sea. But when, in walking up the solemn glades,
I was about to reach the great house of the sorceress
Circe, there I was met, as I approached the house, by
Hermes of the golden wand, in likeness of a youth, the
first down on his lip, — a time of life most winning.
He held my hand and spoke, and thus addressed me :
" ' Where are you going, hapless man, along the
bills alone, ignorant of the land ? Your comrades
yonder, at the house of Circe, are penned like swine
156 THE ODYSSEY. [X. 283-316.
and kept in fast-closed sties. You come to free them ?
Nay, I am sure you will return no more, but there,
like all the rest, you too will stay. Still, I can keep
you clear of harm and give you safety. Here, take
this potent herb and go to Circe's house ; this shall
protect your life against the e\dl day. And I will tell
you all the magic arts of Circe : she will prepare
for you a potion and cast drugs into your food ; but
even so, she cannot charm you, because the potent
herb which I shall give will not permit it. And let
me tell you more : when Circe turns against you her
long wand, then draw the sharp sword from your
thigh and spring upon Circe as if you meant to slay
her; she then will cower and bid you to her bed.
And do not you refuse the goddess' bed, that so she
may release your men and care for you. But bid her
swear the blessed ones' great oath that she is not
meaning now to plot you a new woe, nor when she
lias you stripped to leave you feeble and unmanned.'
" As he thus spoke, the Speedy-comer gave the
herb, drawing it from the ground, and pointed out its
nature. Black at the root it is, like milk its blossom,
and the gods call it moly. Hard is it for a mortal
man to dig ; with gods all things may be.
" Hermes departed now to high Olympus, along the
woody island. I made my way to Circe's house, and
as I went my heart grew very dark. But I stood at
the gate of the fair-haired goddess, stood there and
called, and the goddess heard my voice. Suddenly
coming forth, she opened the shining doors and bade
me in ; I followed her with aching heart. She led me
in and placed me on a silver-studded chair, beautiful,
richly wrought, — upon its lower part there was a rest
for feet, — and she prepared a potion in a golden cup,
χ. 317-347.] THE ODYSSEY. 157
for me to drink, but put therein a drug, with wicked
purpose in her heart. Now after she had given the
drink and I had drunk it off, and yet it had not
charmed me, smiting me with her wand, she spoke
these words and cried : ' Off to the sty, and lie there
with your fellows ! '
" She spoke ; I drew the sharp blade from my thigh
and sprang upon Circe as if I meant to slay her.
With a loud cry, she cowered and clasped my knees,
and sorrowfully said in winged words :
" ' Who are you ? Of what people ? Where is
your town and kindred ? I marvel much that drink-
ing of these drugs you were not charmed. None, no
man else, ever withstood these drugs who tasted them,
so soon as they had passed the barrier of his teeth ;
but in your breast there is a mind which cannot be
beguiled. Surely you are adventurous Odysseus, who
the god of the golden wand, the Speedy-comer, always
declared would come upon his way from Troy, — he
and his swift black ship. Nay, then, put up your
blade within its sheath, and let us now approach our
bed, that there we two may join in love and learn to
trust each other.'
" So she spoke, and answering her said I : ' Circe,
why ask me to be gentle toward you when you have
turned my comrades into swine within your halls, and
here detain me and with treacherous purpose invite
me to your chamber and to approach your bed, that
you, when I am stripped, may leave me feeble and un-
manned ? But I will never willingly approach your
bed till you consent, goddess, to swear a solemn oath
that you are not meaning now to plot me a new woe/
" So I spoke, and she then took the oath which I
required. So after she had sworn and ended all that
oath, then I approached the beauteous bed of Circe.
158 THE ODYSSEY. [X. 348-381.
" Meanwhile attendants plied their work about the
halls, — four maids, who were the serving-women of
the palace. They are the children of the springs and
groves and of the sacred streams that run into the
sea. One threw upon the chairs beautiful cloths ;
purple she spread above, linen below. The next
placed silver tables by the chairs and set forth golden
baskets. A third stirred in a bowl the cheering wine,
— sweet wine iu silver — and filled the golden cups.
A fourth brought water and kindled a large fire under
a great kettle, and let the water warm. T^en when
the water in the glittering copper boiled, she seated
me in the bath and bathed me from the kettle about
the head and shoulders, tempering the water well, till
from my joints she drew the sore fatigue. And after
she had bathed me and anointed me with oil and put
upon me a goodly coat and tunic, she led me in and
placed me on a silver-studded chair, beautiful, richly
wrought, — upon its lower part there was a rest ior
feet, — and water for the hands a servant brought me
in a beautiful pitcher made of gold, and poured it
out over a silver basin for my washing, and spread a
polished table by my side. Then the grave house-
keeper brought bread and placed before me, setting
out food of many a kind, freely giving of her store,
and bade me eat. But that pleased not my heart ; I
sat with other thoughts ; my heart foreboded evil.
" When Circe marked me sitting thus, not laying
hands upon my food but cherishing sore sorrow, ap-
proaching me she said in winged words : ' Why do
you sit, Odysseus, thus, like one struck dumb, gnawing
your heart, and touch no food nor drink? Do you
suspect some further guile ? You have no cause for
fear, for even now I swore to you a solemn oath.'
χ. 382-415.] THE ODYSSEY. 159
" So she spoke, and answering her said I : ' Ah,
Circe, what upright man could bring himself to taste
of food or drink before he had released his friends
and seen them with his eyes ? But if you in sincerity
will bid me drink and eat, then set them free ; that I
with my own eyes may see my trusty comrades.'
" So I spoke, and from the hall went Circe, wand
in hand. She opened the sty doors, and forth she
drove what seemed like nine-year swine. A while
they stood before her, and, passing along the line,
Circe anointed each one with a counter-charm. So
from their members fell the hair which at the first the
accursed drug which potent Circe gave had made to
grow; and once more they were men, men younger
than before, much fairer too and taller to behold.
They knew me, and each grasped my hand, and from
them all passionate sobs burst forth, and all the house
gave a sad echo. The goddess pitied us, even she,
and standing by my side the heavenly goddess said :
" ' High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, go
now to your swift ship and to the shore, and first of
all draw up your ship upon the land, and store within
the caves your goods and all your gear, and then come
back yourself and bring your trusty comrades.'
" So she spoke, and my high heart assented. I
went to the swift ship and to the shore, and found by
the swift ship my trusty comrades in bitter lamentation,
letting the big tears fall. As the stalled calves skip
round a drove of cows returning to the barn-yard
when satisfied with grazing ; with one accord they all
bound forth, the folds no longer hold them, but with
continual bleat they frisk about their mothers ; so did
these men, when they caught sight of me, press weep-
ing round. To them it seemed as if they had already
160 THE ODYSSEY. [X. 416-448.
reached their land, their very town of rugged Ithaca
where they were bred and born ; and through their
sobs they said in winged words :
" ' Now you have come, Ο heaven-descended man,
we are as glad as if we were approaching Ithaca, our
native land. But tell about the loss of all our other
comrades.'
" So they spoke ; I in soft words made answer :
* Let us now first of all draw up our ship upon the
land and store within the caves our goods and all our
gear ; then hasten all of you to follow me, and see
your comrades in the magic house of Circe drinking
and eating, holding constant cheer.'
" So I spoke, and my words they quickly heeded.
Eurylochus alone tried to hold back my comrades,
and speaking in winged words he said : ' Poor fools,
where are we going ? Why are you so in love with
misery that you will go to Circe's haU and let her turn
us all to swine and wolves and lions, that we may then
keep watch at her great house, perforce ? Such deeds
the Cyclops did when to his lair our comrades came,
and with them went this reckless man, Odysseus;
for through his foUy those men also perished.'
" As he thus spoke, I hesitated in my heart whether
to draw my keen-edged blade from my stout thigh
and by a blow bring down his head into the dust, near
as he was by tie of marriage ; but with soft words my
comrades stayed me, each in his separate wise :
" ' High-born Odysseus, we will leave him, if you
please, here by the ship to guard the ship ; but lead
us to the magic house of Circe.'
"Saying this, they passed up from the ship and
from the sea. Yet did Eurylochus not tarry by the
hollow ship ; he followed, for he feared my stern re-
buke.
χ. 449-482.] THE ODYSSEY. 161
" But in the mean while to my other comrades at
the palace Circe had given a pleasant bath, anointed
them with oil, and put upon them fleecy coats and tu-
nics; merrily feasting in her halls we found them all.
When the men saw and recognized each other, they
wept aloud and the house rang around ; and standing
by my side the heavenly goddess said :
" ' High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, let
not this swelling grief rise farther now. I myself
know what hardships you have borne upon the swarm-
ing sea and how fierce men harassed you on the land.
Come, then, eat food, drink wine, until you find once
more that spirit in the breast which once was yours
when you first left your native land of rugged Ithaca.
Now, worn and spiritless, your thoughts still dwell
upon your weary wandering. This many a day your
heart has not been glad, for sorely have you suffered.'
" So she spoke, and our high hearts assented. Here,
then, day after day, for a full year, we sat and feasted
on abundant meat and pleasant wine. But when the
year was gone and the round of the seasons rolled,
as the months waned and the long days were done,
then calling me aside my trusty comrades said :
" ' Ah, sir, consider now your native land, if you are
destined ever to be saved and reach your stately house
and native land.'
" So they spoke, and my high heart assented. Yet
all throughout that day till setting sun we sat and
feasted on abundant meat and pleasant wine ; and when
the sun went down and darkness came, my men lay
down to sleep throughout the dusky halls. But I, on
coming to the beauteous bed of Circe, made supplica-
tion to her by her knees, and to my voice the goddess
hearkened ; and speaking in winged words, I said :
162 THE ODYSSEY. [X. 483-515.
" ' Circe, fulfill the promise made to send me home ;
for now m}^ spirit stirs, with that of all my men, who
vex my heart with their complaints when you are gone
away.'
" So I spoke, and straight the heavenly goddess an-
swered : ' High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus,
stay no longer at my home against your will. But you
must first perform a different journey, and go to the
halls of Hades and of dread Persephone, there to con-
sult the spirit of Teiresias of Thebes•, — the prophet
blind, whose mind is steadfast still. To him, though
dead, Persephone has granted reason, to him alone
sound understanding ; the rest are flitting shadows.'
" As she thus spoke, my very soul was crushed
within me, and sitting on the bed I fell to weeping ;
my heart no longer cared to live and see the sunshine.
But when of weeping and of writhing I had had my
fill, then thus I answered her and said : ' But, Circe,
who will be my pilot on this journey ? None by black
ship has ever reached the land of Hades.'
" So I spoke, and straight the heavenly goddess an-
swered : * High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus,
let not the lack of pilot for your ship disturb you, but
set the mast, spread the white sail aloft, and sit you
down ; the breath of Boreas shall bear her onward.
When you have crossed by ship the Ocean-stream to
where the shore is rough and the grove of Persephone
stands, — tall poplars and seed-shedding willows, —
there beach your ship by the deep eddies of the Ocean-
stream, but go yourself to the mouldering house of
Hades. There is a spot where into Acheron run
Pyriphlegethon and Cocytus, a stream which is an off-
shoot of the waters of the Styx ; a rock here forms
the meeting-point of the two roaring rivers. To this
χ. 516-548.] THE ODYSSEY. 163
spot then, hero, draw nigh, even as I bid ; and dig a
pit, about a cubit either way, and round its edges pour
an offering to all the dead, — first honey-mixture,
next sweet wine, and thirdly water, and over all strew
the white barley-meal. Make many supplications also
to the strengthless dead, vowing when you return to
Ithaca to take the barren cow that is your best and
offer it in your hall, heaping the pyre with treasure ;
and to Teiresias separately to sacrifice a sheep, for him
alone, one wholly black, the yqvj choicest of your
flock. So when with vows you have implored the il-
lustrious peoples of the dead, offer a ram and a black
ewe, bending their heads toward Erebus, but turn
yourself away, facing the river's stream ; to you shall
gather many spirits of those now dead and gone.
Then forthwith call your men, and bid them take the
sheep now lying there slain by the ruthless sword, and
flay and burn them, and call upon the gods, — on
powerful Hades and on dread Persephone, — while
you yourself, drawing your sharp sword from your
thigh, sit still and do not let the strengthless dead
approach the blood till you have made inquiry of
Teiresias. Thither the seer will quickly come, Ο chief
of men, and he will tell your course, the stages of your
journey, and of your homeward way, how you may
pass along the swarming sea.'
" Even as she spoke, the gold-throned morning
came. On me she put a coat and tunic for my rai-
ment ; and the nymph dressed herself in a long silvery
robe, fine spun and graceful ; she bound a beautiful
golden girdle round her waist, and put a veil upon her
head. Then through the house I passed and roused
my men with cheering words, standing by each in turn :
" ' Sleep no more now, nor drowse in pleasant slum-
164 THE ODYSSEY, [X. 549-574.
ber, but let us go, for potent Circe has at last made
known to me the way.'
" So I spoke, and their high hearts assented. Yet
even from there I did not bring away my men in
safety. There was a certain Elpenor, the youngest of
them all, a man not very stanch in fight nor sound of
understanding, who, parted from his mates, lay down to
sleep upon the magic house of Circe, seeking for cool-
ness when overcome with wine. As his companions
stirred, hearing the noise and tumult, he suddenly
sprang up and quite forgot how to come down again
by the long ladder, but he f eU headlong from the roof ;
his neck was broken in its socket, and his soul went
down to the house of Hades.
" When my men mustered there, I said to them :
' You think, perhaps, that you are going home to your
own native land ; but Circe has marked out for us a
different journey, even to the halls of Hades and of
dread Persephone, there to consult the spirit of Teire-
sias of Thebes.'
" As I thus spoke, their very souls were crushed
within them, and sitting down where each one was
they moaned and tore their hair ; but no good came to
them from their lamenting.
" Now while we walked to the swift ship and to the
shore, in sadness, letting the big tears fall, Circe went
on before, and there by the black ship tied a black
ewe and ram, passing us lightly by. When a god does
not will, what man can spy him moving to and fro ? "
XI.
THE LAND OF THE DEAD.
" Now when we came down to the ship and to the
sea, we in the first place launched our ship into the
sacred sea, put mast and sail in the black ship, then
took the sheep and drove them in, and we ourselves
embarked in sadness, letting the big tears fall. And
for our aid behind our dark-bowed ship came a fair
wind to fill our sail, a welcome comrade, sent us by
fair -haired Circe, the mighty goddess, human of
speech. So when we had done our work at the sev-
eral ropes about the ship we sat us down, while wind
and helmsman liept her steady ; and all day long the
sail of the running ship was stretched. Then the sun
sank, and all the ways grew dark.
" And now she reached earth's limits, the deep
stream of the Ocean, where the Cimmerian people's
land and city lie, wrapt in a fog and cloud. Never
on them does the shining sun look down with his
beams, as he goes up the starry sky or as again toward
earth he turns back from the sky, but deadly night
is spread abroad over these hapless men. On coming
here, we beached our ship and set the sheep ashore,
then walked along the Ocean-stream until we reached
the spot foretold by Circe.
" Here Perimedes and Eurylochus held fast the vic-
tims, while drawing my sharp blade from my thigh, I
dug a pit, about a cubit either way, and round its
166 THE ODYSSEY. [XL 26-59.
edges poured an offering to all tlie dead, — first honey-
mixture, next sweet wine, and thirdly water, and over
all I strewed white barley-meal ; and I made many
supplications to the strengthless dead, vowing when
I returned to Ithaca to take the barren cow that was
my best and offer it in my hall, heaping the pyre with
treasure ; and to Teiresias separately to sacrifice a
sheep, for him alone, one wholly black, the choicest of
my flock. So when with prayers and vows I had im-
plored the peoples of the dead, I took the sheep and
cut their throats over the pit, and forth the dark blood
ran. Then gathered there spirits from out of Erebus
of those now dead and gone, — brides, and unwedded
youths, and worn old men, delicate maids with hearts
but new to sorrow, and many pierced with brazen
spears, men slain in fight, wearing their blood-stained
armor. In crowds around the pit they flocked from
every side, with awful wail. Pale terror seized me.
Nevertheless, inspiriting my men, I bade them take
the sheep now lying there slain by the ruthless sword,
and flay and burn them, and caU upon the gods, — on
powerful Hades and on dread Persephone, — while I
myself, drawing my sharp sword from my thigh, sat
still and did not let the strengthless dead approach
the blood till I had made inquiry of Teiresias.
" First came the spirit of my man, Elpenor. He
had not yet been buried under the broad earth ; for
we left his body at the haU of Circe, unwept, unbur-
ied, since other tasks were urgent. I wept to see him
and pitied him from my heart, and speaking in winged
words I said :
" ' Elpenor, how came you in this murky gloom ?
Faster you came on foot than I in my black ship.'
" So I spoke, and with a groan he answered :
XI. 60-91.] THE ODYSSEY. 167
' High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, Heaven's
cruel doom destroyed me, and excess of wine. After
I went to sleep on Circe's house, I did not notice
how to go down again by the long ladder, but I fell
headlong from the roof ; my neck was broken in its
socket, and my soul came down to the house of Hades.
Now I entreat you by those left behind, not present
here, by your wife, and by the father who cared for
you when little, and by Telemachus whom you left
at home alone, — for I know, as you go hence out of
the house of Hades, you will touch with your stanch
ship the island of Aeaea, — there then, my master, I
charge you, think of me. Do not, in going, leave me
behind, unwept, unburied, deserting me, lest I be-
come a cause of anger to the gods against you ; but
burn me in the armor that was mine, and on the shore
of the foaming sea erect the mound of an unhappy
man, that future times may know. Do this for me,
and fix upon my grave the oar with which in life I
rowed among my comrades.'
"So he spoke, and answering him said I : * Un-
happy man, this will I carry out and do for you.'
" In such sad words talking with one another, there
we sat, — I on the one side, holding my blade over
the blood, while the spectre of my comrade, on the
other, told of his many woes.
" Now came the spirit of my dead mother, Anticleia,
daughter of brave Autolycus, whom I had left alive
on setting forth for sacred Ilios. I wept to see her
and pitied her from my heart ; but even so, I did not
let her — deeply though it grieved me — approach
the blood till I had made inquiry of Teiresias.
" Now came the spirit of Teiresias of Thebes, hold-
ing his golden sceptre. He knew me, and said to
168 THE ODYSSEY. [XI. 92-123.
me : ' High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, why
now, unhappy man, leaving the sunshine, have you
come here to see the dead and this forbidding place ?
Nay, draw back from the pit and turn your sharp
blade from the blood, that I may drink and speak
what will not fail.'
" So he spoke, and drawing back I thrust my silver-
studded sword into its sheath. And after he had
drunk of the dark blood, then thus the blameless seer
addressed me :
" ' You are looking for a joyous journey home, glo-
rious Odysseus, but a god will make it hard ; for I do
not think you will elude the Land-shaker, who bears
a grudge against you in his heart, angry because you
blinded his dear son. Yet even so, by meeting hard-
ship you may still reach home, if you will curb the
passions of yourself and crew when once you bring
your stanch ship to the Thrinacian island, safe from
the dark blue sea, and find the pasturing kine and
sturdy sheep of the Sun, who all things oversees, all
overhears. If you leave these unharmed and heed
your homeward way, you still may come to Ithaca,
though you shall meet with hardship. But if you
harm them, then I predict the loss of ship and crew ;
and even if you yourseK escape, late shall you come,
in evil plight, with loss of all your crew, on the vessel
of a stranger. At home you shall find trouble, —
bold men devouring your living, wooing your match-
less wife, and offering bridal gifts. Nevertheless, on
your return, you surely shall avenge their crimes.
But after you have slain the suitors in your halls,
whether by stratagem or by the sharp sword boldly,
then journey on, bearing a shapely oar, until you reach
the men who know no sea and do not eat food mixed
XI. 124-156.] THE ODYSSEY. 169
with salt. These therefore have no knowledge of the
red-cheeked ships, nor of the shapely oars which are
the wings of ships. And I will give a sign easy to be
observed, which shall not fail you : when another trav-
eler, meeting you, shall say you have a winnowing fan
on your white shoulder, there fix in the ground your
shapely oar, and make fit offerings to lord Poseidon —
a ram, a bull, and the sow's mate, a boar, — and turn-
ing homeward offer sacred hecatombs to the immortal
gods who hold the open sky, all in the order due.
Upon yourself death from the sea shall very gently
come and cut you off bowed down with hale old age.
Kound you shall be a prosperous people. I speak
what shall not fail.'
" So he spoke, and answering him said I : ' Teire-
sias, these are the threads of destiny the gods them-
selves have spun. Nevertheless, declare me this, and
plainly tell : I see the spirit of my dead mother here ;
silent she sits beside the blood and has not, although
I am her son, deigned to look in my face or speak to
me. Tell me, my master, how may she know that it
is I?'
" So I spoke, and straightway answering me said
he : ' A simple saying I will tell and fix it in your
mind : whomever among those dead and gone you let
approach the blood, he shall declare the truth. But
whomsoever you refuse, he shall go back again.'
"So saying, into the house of Hades passed the
spirit of the great Teiresias, after telling heaven's de-
crees ; but I still held my place until my mother came
and drank of the dark blood. She knew me instantly,
and sorrowfully said in winged words :
" ' My child, how came you in this murky gloom,
while still alive ? Awful to the living are these sights.
170 THE ODYSSEY. [XI. 157-lGO.
Great rivers are between, and fearful floods, — 'might-
iest of all the Ocean-stream, not to be crossed on foot,
but only on a strong-built sbip. Are you but now
come here, upon your way from Troy, wandering a
long time with your ship and crew ? Have you not
been in Ithaca, nor seen your wife at home ? '
" So she spoke, and answering her said I : ' My mo-
ther, need brought me to the house of Hades, here to
consult the spirit of Teiresias of Thebes. I have not
yet been near Achaea nor once set foot upon my land,
but have been always wandering and meeting sorrow
since the first day I followed royal Agamemnon to
Ilios, famed for horses, to fight the Trojans there.
But now declare me this and plainly tell : what doom
of death that lays men low o'erwhelmed you ? Some
long disease? Or did the huntress Artemis attack
and slay you with her gentle arrows ? And tell me
of my father and the son I left ; still in their keeping
are my honors ? Or does at last an alien hold them,
while people say that I shall come no more ? Tell
me, moreover, of my wedded wife, her purposes and
thoughts. Is she abiding by her child and keeping all
in safety? Or was she finally married by some chief
of the Achaeans ? '
" So I spoke, and straight my honored mother an-
swered : * Indeed she stays with patient heart within
your hall, and wearily the nights and days are wasted
with her tears. Nobody yet holds your fair honors ;
in peace Telemachus farms your estate, and sits at
equal feasts where it befits the lawgiver to be a guest ;
for all give him a welcome. Your father stays among
the fields, and comes to the town no more. Bed has
he none, bedstead, nor robes, nor bright-hued rugs ;
but through the winter he sleeps in the house where
XI. 191-224.] THE ODYSSEY. 171
servants sleep, in the dust beside the fire, and wears
upon his body sorry clothes. Then when the sum-
mer comes and fruitful autumn, wherever he may be
about his slope of vineyard-ground a bed is piled of
leaves fallen on the earth. There lies he in distress,
woe waxing strong within, longing for your return ;
and hard old age comes on. Even so I also died and
met my doom : not that at home the sure-eyed hun-
tress attacked and slew me with her gentle arrows ;
nor did a sickness come, which oftentimes by sad de-
cay steals from the limbs the life ; but longing for you
— your wise ways, glorious Odysseus, and your ten-
derness, — took joyous life away.'
" As she thus spoke, I yearned, though my mind
hesitated, to clasp the spirit of my mother, e\^en though
dead. Three times the impulse came ; my heart urged
me to clasp her. Three times out of my arms like a
shadow or a dream she flitted, and the sharp pain
about my heart grew only more; and speaking in
winged words, I said :
" ' My mother, why not stay for me who long to clasp
you, so that in the very house of Hades, throwing our
arms round one another, we two may take our fill of
piercing grief ? Or is it a phantom high Persephone
has sent, to make me weep and sorrow more ? '
'* So I spoke, and straight my honored mother an-
swered : ' Ah, my own child, beyond all men ill-fated !
In no wise is Persephone, daughter of Zeus, beguiling
you, but this is the way with mortals when they die :
the sinews then no longer hold the flesh and bones to-
gether ; for these the strong force of the blazing fire
destroys, when once the life leaves the white bones,
and like a dream the spirit flies away. Nay now,
press quickly on into the light, and of all this take
heed, to tell your wife hereafter.'
172 THE ODYSSEY. [XI. 225-259.
" So we held converse there ; but now the women
came — for high Persephone had sent them, — who
were great men's wives and daughters. Eound the
dark blood in throngs they gathered, and I consid-
ered how to question each. Then to my mind this
seemed the wisest way : I drew my keen-edged blade
from my stout thigh and did not let them all at once
drink the dark blood, but one by one they came, and
each declared her lineage, and I questioned all.
" There I saw Tyro first, of noble ancestry, who
told of being sprung from gentle Salmoneus ; told
how she was the wife of Cretheus, son of Aeolus.
She loved a river-god, divine Enipeus, who flows the
fairest of all streams on earth. So she would walk
by the fair currents of Enipeus, and in his guise the
Laud-shaker, who girds the land, lay with her at the
outpouring of the eddying stream. The upheaving
water compassed them, high as a hill and arching,
and hid the god and mortal woman. He loosed the
maiden's girdle and cast on her a sleep. Then when
the god had done the deeds of love, he held her hand
and spoke and thus addressed her :
" ' Be happy, lady, in my love ! In the revolving
year you shall bear noble children ; for the embraces
of immortals are not barren. Rear them yourself,
and cherish them. And now go home. Hold fast,
and speak it not : I am Poseidon, the shaker of the
earth.'
" Saying this, he plunged into the surging sea. She
then, conceiving, bore Pelias and Neleus, who both
became strong ministers of mighty Zeus. Pelias
dwelt in the open country of lolcus, rich in flocks ;
the other at sandy Pylos. And sons to Cretheus also
this queen of women bore, — Aeson, and Pheres, and
Amythaon the charioteer.
XI. 260-291.] THE ODYSSEY. 173
" And after her I saw Antiope, Asopus' daughter,
who boasted she had been embraced by Zeus himself.
And so she bore two sons, Amphion and Zethus, who
first laid the foundations of seven-gated Thebes, and
fortified it ; because unfortified, they could not dwell
in open Thebes, for all their power.
" And after her I saw Alcmene, wife of Amphitryon,
her who bore dauntless Hercules, the lion-hearted,
yielding to the embrace of mighty Zeus ; and Megara,
harsh Creon's daughter, whom the tireless son of Am-
phitryon took to wife.
" The mother of Oedipus I saw, fair Epicaste, who
did a monstrous deed through ignorance of heart, in
marrying her son. He, having slain his father, mar-
ried her ; and soon the gods made the thing known
to men. In pain at pleasant Thebes he governed the
Cadmeians, through the gods' destroying purpose ; and
she went down to Hades, the strong gaoler, fastening
a fatal noose to the high rafter, abandoned to her
grief. To him she left the many woes which the
Avengers of a mother bring.
"Beautiful Chloris too I saw, whom Neleus once
married for her beauty after making countless gifts,
the youngest daughter of that Amphion, son of lasus,
who once held powerful sway at Minyan Orchomenus.
She was the queen of Pylos, and bore Neleus famous
children, Nestor and Chromius and Periclymenus the
headstrong. And beside these she bore that stately
Pero, the marvel of mankind, whom aU her neighbors
wooed. But to none would Neleus give her save to
him who should drive from Phylace the crook-horned,
broad-browed kine of haughty Iphiclus, and danger-
ous kine were they. A blameless seer alone would
undertake to drive them; but cruel doom of God
174 THE ODYSSEY. [XI. 292-325.
prevented, harsh bonds and clownish herdsmen. Yet
after days and months were spent, as the year rolled
and other seasons came, then haughty Iphiclus re-
leased him on his telling all the oracles. The will of
Zeus was done.
" Leda_I_sa2:,-Ae-^i4fe of Tyndareus, who bore to
Tyndareus two stalwart sons : Castor, the horseman,
and Polydeuces, good at boxing. These in a kind of
life the nourishing earth now holds ; and even beneath
the ground they have from Zeus the boon that to-day
they be alive, to-morrow dead ; and they are allotted
honors like the gods.
" Iphimed e ia I saw^ wifo ^ Aloeus, who said that
she had lain beside Poseidon. She bore two chil-
dren, but short-lived they proved, — Otus, the god-
like, and the far-famed Ephialtes, — whom the fruitful
earth made grow to be the tallest and most beauti-
ful of men, after renowned Orion ; for at nine years
they were nine cubits broad, and in height they
reached nine fathoms. Therefore they even threat-
ened the immortals with raising on Olympus the din
of furious war. Ossa they strove to set upon Olym-
pus, and upon Ossa leafy Pelion, that so the heavens
might be scaled. And this they would have done,
had they but reached the period of their vigor ; but
the son of Zeus whom fair-haired Leto bore destroyed
them both before below their temples the downy hair
had sprung and covered their chins with the fresh
beard.
^^ Phaed ra and Proorio, to o , I oaw, and beautiful
Ariadne, daughter of wizard Minos, whom Theseus
tried to bring from Crete to the slopes of sacred
Athens. But he gained naught thereby ; before she
came, Artemis slew her in sea-girt Dia, prompted by
the report of Dionysus.
XL 326-359.] THE ODYSSEY. 175
"^jagjca -and Clyjaenel saw, and odious Eriphyle
who took a bribe of gold aslne price of lier own hus-
band. But all I cannot tell, nor even name the many-
heroes' wives and daughters whom I saw ; ere that, the
immortal night would wear away. Already it is time
to sleep, at the swift ship among the crew or here.
My journey hence rests with the gods and you."
As thus he ended, all were hushed to silence, held
by the spell throughout the dusky hall. White-armed
Arete was the first to speak : *' Phaeacians, how seems
to you this man in beauty, height, and balanced mind
within ? My guest indeed he is, but each one shares
the honor. Be not in haste then to dismiss him, nor
stint your gifts to one so much in need. By favor of
the gods great wealth is in your houses."
Then also spoke the old lord Echeneiis, who was
the oldest of Phaeacian men : " My friends, not wide
of the mark, nor of her reputation, speaks the wise
queen ; therefore give heed. Yet word and work
rest with Alcinoiis here."
Then answered him Alcinoiis and said : " Even as
she speaks that word shall be, if I be now the living
lord of oar-loving Phaeacians ! But let our guest,
however much he longs for home, consent to stay at
all events until to-morrow, till I shall make our gift
complete. To send him hence shall be the charge of
all, especially of me ; for power within this land rests
here."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said :
" Mighty Alcinoiis, renowned of all, if you should bid
me stay a year and then should send me forth, giving
me splendid gifts, that is what I would choose ; for
much more to my profit would it be with fuller hands
to reach my native land. Then should I be regarded
176 THE ODYSSEY. [XL 360-393.
more and welcomed more by all who saw me coming
home to Ithaca."
Then answered him Alcinoiis and said : " Odysseus,
we judge you by your looks to be no cheat or thief ;
though many are the men the dark earth breeds, and
scatters far and wide, who fashion falsehoods out of
what no man can see. But you have a grace of word
and a noble mind within, and you told your tale as
skilKuUy as if you were a bard, relating all the Ar-
gives' and your own sore troubles. But now declare
me this and plainly tell : did you see any of the god-
like comrades who went with you to Ilios and there
met doom ? The night is very long ; yes, vastly long.
The hour for sleeping at the hall is not yet come.
Tell me the wondrous story. I could be well content
till sacred dawn, if you were willing in the hall to tell
us of your woes."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Lord
Alcinoiis, renowned of all, there is a time for stories
and a time for sleep ; yet if you wish to listen longer,
I would not shrink from telling tales more pitiful than
these, the woes of my companions who died in after-
time, men who escaped the grievous war-cry of the
Trojans to die on their return through a wicked wo-
man's will.
" When, then, chaste Persephone had scattered here
and there those spirits of tender women, there came
the spirit of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, sorrowing.
Around thronged other spirits of men who by his side
had died in the house of Aegisthus and there had met
their doom. He knew me as soon as he had drunk
of the dark blood ; and then he cried aloud and let
the big tears fall, and stretched his hands forth ea-
gerly to grasp me. But no, there was no strength or
XL 394-425. J THE ODYSSEY. 177
vigor left, such as was once within his supple limbs.
I wept to see him, and pitied him from my heart, and
speaking in winged words I said :
" ' Great son of Atreus, Agamemnon, lord of men,
what doom of death that lays men low o'erwhelmed
you ? Was it on shipboard that Poseidon smote you,
raising unwelcome blasts of cruel wind? Or did
fierce men destroy you on the land, while you were
cutting οίϊ their kine or their fair flocks of sheep, or
while you fought to win their town and carry off their
women
9'
" So I spoke, and straightway answering me said
he \ ' No, high-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus,
on shipboard Poseidon did not smite me, raising un-
welcome blasts of cruel wind, nor did fierce men de-
stroy me on the land ; it was Aegisthus, plotting
death and doom, who slew me, aided by my accursed
wife, when he had bidden me home and had me at the
feast, even as one kills the ox before the manger. So
thus I died a lamentable death, and all my men, with
no escape, were slain around me ; like white-toothed
swine at some rich, powerful man's wedding, or ban-
quet, or gay festival. You have yourself been pres-
ent at the death of many men, — men slain in single
combat and in the press of war ; yet here you would
have felt your heart most touched with pity, to see
how round the mixing-bowl and by the loaded tables
we lay about the hall, and all the pavement ran with
blood. Saddest of all, I heard the cry of Priam's
daughter, Cassandra, whom crafty Clytaemnestra
slew beside me ; and I, on the ground, lifted my
hands and clutched my sword in dying. But she, the
brutal woman, turned away and did not deign, though
I was going to the house of Hades, to draw with her
178 THE ODYSSEY. [XL 426-461.
hand my eyelids down and press my lips together.
Ah, what can be more horrible and brutish than a wo-
man when she admits into her thoughts such deeds as
these ! And what a shameless deed she plotted to
bring about the murder of the husband of her youth !
I used to think how glad my coming home would be,
even to my children and my slaves ; but she, intent on
such extremity of crime, brought shame upon herself
and all of womankind who shall be born hereafter,
even on well-doers too.'
" So he spoke, and answering him said I : ' Alas !
The house of Atreus far - seeing Zeus has sorely
plagued with women's arts, from the beginning : for
Helen's sake how many of us died ; and Clytaemnes-
tra devised a plot while you were far away.'
" So I spoke, and straightway answering me said
he : ' Never be you, then, gentle to your wife, nor
speak out all you really mean ; but tell a part and let
a part be hid. And yet on you, Odysseus, no violent
death shall ever fall from your wife's hand ; for truly
wise and of an understanding heart is the daughter
of Icarius, heedful Penelope. As a young bride we
left her, on going to the war. A child was at her
breast, an infant then, who now perhaps sits in the
ranks of men, and happy too ; for his dear father, com-
ing home, will see him, and he will meet his father
with embrace, as children should. But my wife did
not let me feast my eyes upon my son; before he
came, she slew me. Nay, this I will say farther ; mark
it well. By stealth, not openly, bring in your ship to
shore, for there is no more faith in woman. But now
declare me this and plainly tell if you hear my son is
living still — at Orchomenus, perhaps, or sandy Pylos,
or at the home of Menelaus in broad Sparta; for
surely nowhere on the earth has royal Orestes died.'
XL 462^92.] THE ODYSSEY. 179
" So he spoke, and answering him said I : Ό son
of Atreus, why question me of this ? Whether he be
alive or dead I do not know. To speak vain words is
iu;
" In such sad words talking with one another
mournfully we stood, letting the big tears fall. And
now there came the spirit of Achilles, son of Peleus,
and of Patroclus too, of gallant Antilochus, and of
Ajax who was first in beauty and in stature of all the
Danaans after the gallant son of Peleus. But the
spirit of swift-footed Aeacides knew me, and sorrow-
fully said in winged words :
" ' High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, rash
as you are, what will you undertake more desperate
than this ! How dared you come down hither to the
house of Hades, where dwell the senseless dead, spec-
tres of toil-worn men ? '
" So he spoke, and answering him said I : ' Achilles,
son of Peleus, foremost of the Achaeans, I came for
consultation with Teiresias, hoping that he might give
advice for reaching rugged Ithaca. I have not yet
been near Achaeanor once set foot upon my land, but
have had constant trouble ; while as for you, Achilles,
no man was in the past more fortunate, nor in the fu-
ture shall be ; for formerly, during your life, we Ar-
gives gave you equal honor with the gocls, and now
you are a mighty lord among the dead, when here.
Then do not grieve at having died, Achilles.'
" So I spoke, and straightway answering me said
he : ' Mock not at death, glorious Odysseus. Better
to be the hireling of a stranger, and serve a man of
mean estate whose living is but small, than be the
ruler over all these dead and gone- No, tell me tales
of my proud son, whether or not he followed to the
180 THE ODYSSEY. [XL 493-527
war to be a leader ; tell what you know of gallant Pe-
leus, whether he still has honor in the cities of the
Myrmidons ; or do they slight him now in Hellas and
in Phthia, because old age has touched his hands and
feet ? I am myself no longer in the sunlight to defend
him, nor like what I once was when on the Trojan
plain I routed a brave troop in succoring the Argives.
If once like that I could but come, even for a little
space, into my father's house, frightful should be my
might and my resistless hands to any who are trou-
bling him and keeping him from honor.'
" So he spoke, and answering him said I : ' Indeed,
of gallant Peleus I know nothing. But about your
dear son Neoptolemus, I wiU tell you all the truth, as
you desire ; for it was I, in my trim hoUow ship, who
brought him from Scyros to the mailed Achaeans.
And when encamped at Troy we held a council, he
always was the first to speak, and no word missed its
mark ; godlike Nestor and I alone surpassed him.
Moreover, on the Trojan plain, when we Achaeans
battled, he never tarried in the tlu-ong nor at the ral-
lying-place, but pressed before us aU, yielding to none
in courage. Many a man he slew in mortal combat.
Fully I cannot tell, nor even name the host he slew in
fighting for the Argives ; but how he vanquished with
his sword the son of Telephus, Eurypylus the hero I
Many of that Ceteian band fell with their leader, de-
stroyed by woman's bribes. So goodly a man as he I
never saw, save kingly Memnon.
" ' Then when we entered the horse Epeius made,
— we chieftains of the Argives, — and it lay all with
me to shut or open our close ambush, other captains
and councilors of the Danaans would wipe away a
tear, and their limbs shook beneath them ; but watch-
XI. 528-563.] THE ODYSSEY. 181
ing him, at no time did I see his fair skin pale, nor
from his cheeks did he wipe tears away. Often he
begged to leave the horse ; he fingered his sword-hilt
and his bronze-tipped spear, longing to vex the Tro-
jans. Yet after we overthrew the lofty town of Priam,
he took his share of spoil and an honorable prize, and
went on board unharmed, not hit by brazen point nor
wounded in close combat, as for the most part happens
in war ; hap-hazard Ares rages.'
" So I spoke, and the spirit of swift-footed Aeacides
departed with long strides across the field of asphodel,
pleased that I said his son was famous.
" But the other spirits of those dead and gone stood
sadly there ; each asked for what he loved. Only the
spirit of Ajax, son of Telamon, held aloof, still angry at
the victory I gained in the contest at the ships for the
armor of Achilles. The goddess mother of Achilles
offered the prize, and the sons of the Trojans were the
judges, — they and Pallas Athene. Would I had
never won in such a strife, since thus the earth closed
round the head of Ajax, who in beauty and achieve-
ment surpassed all other Danaans save the gallant son
of Peleus. To him I spoke in gentle words and said :
" ' Ajax, son of gallant Telamon, will you not, even
in death, forget your wrath about the accursed armor ?
To plague the Argives the gods gave it, since such a
tower as you were lost thereby. For you as for
Achilles, son of Peleus, do we Achaeans mourn un-
ceasingly. None was to blame but Zeus, who, fiercely
hating all the host of Danaan spearmen, brought upon
you this doom. Nay, king, draw near, that you may
listen to our voice and hear our words. Abate your
pride and haughty spirit.'
" I spoke ; he did not answer, but he went his way
182 THE ODYSSEY. [XI. 564-596.
after the other spirits o£ those dead and gone, on into
Erebus. Yet then, despite his wrath, he should have
spoken, or I had spoken to him, but that the heart
within my breast wished to see other spirits of the
dead.
" There I saw Minos, the illustrious son of Zeus, a
golden sceptre in his hand, administering justice to the
dead from where he sat, while all around men called
for judgment from the king, sitting and standing in
the wide-doored hall of Hades.
" Next I marked huge Orion drive through the field
of asphodel the game that in his life he slew among
the lonely hills. He held a club of solid bronze that
never can be broken.
"And Tityus I saw, the son of far-famed Gaia,
stretched on the plain ; across nine roods he stretched.
Two vultures sat beside him, one upon either hand,
and tore his liver, piercing the caul within. Yet with
his hands he did not keep them off ; for he did violence
to Leto, the honored wife of Zeus, as she was going to
Pytho through pleasant Panopeus.
" Tantalus, too, I saw in grievous torment and stand-
ing in a pool. It touched his chin. He strained for
thirst, but could not take and drink ; for as the old man
bent, eager to drink, the water always was absorbed
and disappeared, and at his feet the dark earth showed.
God made it dry. Then leafy-crested trees drooped
down their fruit, — pears, pomegranates, apples with
shining fruit, sweet figs, and thrifty olives. But when
the old man stretched his hand to take, a breeze would
toss them toward the dusky clouds.
"And Sisyphus I saw in bitter pains, forcing a
monstrous stone along with both his hands. Tugging
with hand and foot, he pushed the stone upward along
XL 597-629.] THE ODYSSEY. 183
a hill. But when he thought to heave it on clean to
the summit, a mighty power would turn it back ; and
so once more down to the ground the wicked stone
would tumble. Again he strained to push it back ;
sweat ran down from his limbs, and from his head a
dust cloud rose.
" And next I marked the might of Hercules, — his
phantom form ; for he himself is with the immortal
gods reveling at their feasts, wed to fair-ankled Hebe,
child of great Zeus and golden-sandaled Here.
Around him rose a clamor of the dead, like that of
birds^ fleeing all ways in terror ; while he, like gloomy
night, with his bare bow and arrow on the string,
glared fearfully, as if forever shooting. Terrible was
the baldric round about his breast, a golden belt
where marvelous devices had been wrought, bears and
wild boars and fierce-eyed lions, struggles and fights,
murders and blood-sheddings. Let the artificer de-
sign no more who once achieved that sword-belt by
his art. Soon as he saw, he knew me, and sorrow-
fully said in winged words :
" * High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, so
you, poor man, work out a cruel task such as I once
endured when in the sunlight. I was the son of Kro-
nian Zeus, yet I had pains unnumbered ; for to one
very far beneath me I was bound, and he imposed
hard labors. He even sent me here to carry off the
dog, for nothing he supposed could be a harder labor.
I brought the dog up hence, and dragged him forth
from Hades. Hermes was my guide, he and clear-
eyed Athene.'
" So saying, back he went into the house of Hades,
while I still held my place, hoping there yet might
come some other heroes who died long ago. And
184 THE ODYSSEY. [XI. 630-640.
more of the men of old I might have seen, as I de-
sired, — Theseus and Peirithoiis, famous children of
the gods ; but ere they came, myriads of the people of
the dead gathered with awful cry. Pale terror seized
me ; I thought perhaps the Gorgon head of some fell
monster high Persephone might send out of the house
of Hades. So, turning to my ship, I called my crew
to come on board and loose the cables. Quickly they
came, took places at the pins, and down the Ocean-
stream the flowing current bore us, with oarage first
and then a pleasant breeze."
XII.
THE SIRENS, SCYLLA, CHARYBDIS, AND THE KINE OF
THE SUN.
" After our ship Lad left the current of the Ocean-
stream and come into the waters of the open sea and
to the island of Aeaea, where is the dwelling of the
early dawn, its dancing-ground and place of rising, as
we ran in we beached our ship among the sands, and
forth we went ourselves upon the shore ; where, falling
fast asleep, we awaited sacred dawn.
" But when the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared,
I sent men forward to the house of Circe to fetch the
body of the dead Elpenor. Then hastily cutting logs,
where the coast stood out most boldly we buried him,
in sadness, letting the big tears fall. After the dead
was burned and the armor of the dead man, we raised
a mound, and dragged a stone upon it, and fixed on
the mound's highest point his shapely oar,
" With all this we were busied ; nevertheless, our
coming from the house of Hades was not concealed
from Circe, but quickly she" arrayed herself and came
to meet us. Her maids bore bread and stores of meat
and ruddy sparkling wine ; and standing in the midst
of all, the heavenly goddess said :
" ' Madmen ! who have gone down alive into the
house of Hades, thus twice to meet with death while
others die but once, come, eat this food and drink this
wine here for to-day, and when to-morrow comes you
186 THE ODYSSEY. [XII. 25-59.
shall set sail. I will myself point out the way and
fully show you all ; lest by unhappy lack of skill you
be distressed on sea or land and suffer harm.'
" So she spoke, and our high hearts assented. Thus
all throughout the day till setting sun we sat and
feasted on abundant meat and pleasant wine; and
when the sun had set and darkness came, my men lay
down to sleep by the ship's cables ; but leading me by
the hand apart from my good comrades, the goddess
bade me sit, herself reclined beside me, and asked me
for my story. So I related all the tale in its due
order. Then thus spoke potent Circe :
" ' All this is ended now ; but listen to what I say,
and God himself shall help you to remember. First
you win meet the Sirens, who cast a sj)ell on every
man who goes their way. Whoso draws near unwarned
and hears the Sirens' voices, by him no wife nor little
child shall ever stand, glad at his coming home ; for
the Sirens cast a spell of penetrating song, sitting
within a meadow. Near by is a great heap of rotting
human bones ; fragments of skin are shriveling on
them. Therefore sail on, and stop your comrades'
ears with sweet wax kneaded soft, that none of the
rest may hear. If you yourself will listen, see that
they bind you hand and foot on the swift ship, up-
right upon the mast-block, — round it let the rope
be wound, — that so with pleasure you may hear the
Sirens' song. But if you should entreat your men
and bid them set you free, let them with still more
fetters bind you fast.
" ' After your men have brought the ship past
these, what is to be your course I will not fully say ;
do you yourself ponder it in your heart. I will de-
scribe both ways. Along one route stand beetling
XII. 60-94.] THE ODYSSEY. 187
cliffs, and on them roar the mighty waves of dark-
eyed Amphitrite ; the blessed gods call them the
Wanderers. This way not even winged things can
pass, — no, not the gentle doves which bear ambrosia
to father Zeus ; but one of them the smooth rock al-
ways draws away, though the father puts another in
to fill the number. No shij) of man ever escapes
when once come hither, but in one common ruin
planks of ships and sailors' bodies are swept by the
sea-waves and storms of deadly flame. The only
coursing ship that ever passed this way was Argo,
famed of all, when voyaging from Aeetes ; and her
the waves would soon have dashed on the great rocks,
but Here brought her through from love of Jason.
" ' By the other way there are two crags, one reach-
ing up to the broad heavens with its sharp peak.
Clouds gather about it darkly and never float away ;
light strikes its peak neither in heat nor harvest. No
mortal man could clamber up or down it, though
twenty hands and feet were his ; for the rock is
smooth, as it were polished. About the middle of the
crag is a dim cave, facing the west and Erebus, the
very way where you must steer your rounded ship,
glorious Odysseus ; and from that rounded ship no
lusty youth could with a bow-shot reach the hollow
cave. Here Scylla dwells and utters hideous cries ;
her voice like that of a young dog, and she herself an
evil monster. None can behold her and be glad, be
it a god who meets her. Twelve feet she has, and all
misshapen ; six necks, exceeding long ; on each a
frightful head ; in these three rows of teeth, stout and
close-set, fraught with dark death. As far as the
waist she is drawn down within the hollow cave ; but
she holds forth her heads outside the awful chasm
188 THE ODYSSEY. [XII. 95-127.
and fishes there, spying around the crag for dolphins,
dogfish, or whatever larger creature she may catch,
such things as voiceful Amphitrite breeds by thou-
sands. Never could sailors boast of passing her in
safety ; for with each head she takes a man, snatch-
ing him from the dark-bowed ship.
" ' The second crag is lower, you will see, Odysseus,
and close beside the first ; you well might shoot across.
On it a fig-tree stands, tall and in leafy bloom, under-
neath which divine Charybdis sucks the dark water
down. For thrice a day she sends it up, and thrice
she sucks it down, — a fearful sight ! May you not
happen to be there when it goes down, for nobody
could save you then from ill, not even the Earth-
shaker. But swiftly turn your course toward Scylla's
crag, and speed the ship along ; for surely it is better
to miss six comrades from your ship than all together.'
" So she spoke, and answering her, said I : ' Yet,
goddess, tell me this in very truth : might I not possi-
bly escape from fell Charybdis, and then beat off that
other when she assails my crew ? '
" So I spoke, and straight the heavenly goddess
answered : ' Foolhardy man ! Still bent on war and
struggle ! Will you not yield even to immortal gods ?
This is no mortal being, but an immortal woe, — dire,
hard, and fierce, and not to be fought down. Courage
is nothing ; flight is best. For if you arm and lin-
ger by the rock, I fear that, issuing forth once more,
she may attack you with her many heads and carry off
as many men. Therefore with zeal speed on ; and
call on Force, the mother of this Scylla, who bore her
for a bane to humankind ; she will restrain her from
a second onset.
" ' Next, you will reach the island of Thrinacia.
XII. 128-159.] THE ODYSSEY. 189
where in great numbers feed the kine and the sturdy
flocks of the Sun, — seven droA^es of kine and just as
many beautiful flocks of sheep, fifty in each. Of them,
no young are born, nor do they ever die. Goddesses
are their shepherds, nymphs of fair hair, Phaethousa
and Lampetia, whom to the exalted Sun divine Neaera
bore. These their potent mother bore and reared,
and sent them to the island of Thrinacia to dwell
afar and keep their father's flocks and crook-horned
kine. If you leave these unharmed and heed your
homeward way, you still may come to Ithaca, though
you shall meet with hardship. But if you harm them,
then I predict the loss of ship and crew ; and even
if you yourself escape, late shall you come, in evil
plight, with loss of all your crew.'
"Even as she spoke, the gold-throned morning
came, and up the island the heavenly goddess went
her way ; I turned me toward my ship, and called my
crew to come on board and loose the cables. Quickly
they came, took places at the pins, and sitting in or-
der smote the foaming water with their oars. And
for our aid behind our dark-bowed ship came a fair
wind to fill our sail, a welcome comrade, sent us by
fair -haired Circe, the mighty goddess, human of
speech. When we had done our work at the several
ropes about the ship, we sat us down, while wind and
helmsman kept her steady.
" Now to my men, with aching heart, I said : ' My
friends, it is not right for only one or two to know
the oracles which Circe told, that heavenly goddess.
Therefore I speak, that, knowing all, we so may die,
or fleeing death and doom, we may escape. She
warns us first against the marvelous Sirens, and bids
us flee their voice and flowery meadow. Only myself
190 THE ODYSSEY. [XII. 160-191.
she bade to hear their song ; but bind me with galling
cords, to hold me firm, upright upon the mast-block,
— round it let the rope be wound. And if I should
entreat you, and bid you set me free, thereat with
still more fetters bind me fast.'
" Thus I, relating aU my tale, talked with my com-
rades. Meanwhile our stanch ship swiftly neared the
Sirens' island ; a fair wind swept her on. On a sud-
den the wind ceased ; there came a breathless calm ;
Heaven hushed the waves. My comrades, rising,
furled the sail, stowed it on board the hollow ship,
then sitting at their oars whitened the water with the
polished blades. But I with my sharp sword cut a
great cake of wax into small bits, which I then
kneaded in my sturdy hands. Soon the wax warmed,
forced by the powerful pressure and by the rays of
the exalted Sun, the lord of all. Then one by one
I stopped the ears of all my crew ; and on the deck
they bound me hand and foot, upright upon the mast-
block, round which they wound the rope ; and sit-
ting down they smote the foaming water with their
oars. But when we were as far away as one can call
and driving swiftly onward, our speeding ship, as it
drew near, did not escape the Sirens, and thus they
lifted up their penetrating voice :
" ' Come hither, come, Odysseus, whom all praise,
great glory of the Achaeans ! Bring in your ship,
and listen to our song. For none has ever passed us
in a black-hulled ship till from our lips he heard ec-
static song, then went his way rejoicing and with
larger knowledge. For we know all that on the plain
of Troy Argives and Trojans suffered at the gods'
behest ; we know whatever happens on the bounteous
earth.'
XII. 192-223.J THE ODYSSEY. 191
" So spoke they, sending forth their glorious song,
and my heart longed to listen. Knitting my brows,
I signed my men to set me free ; but bending for-
ward, on they rowed. And straightway Perimedes
and Eurylochus arose and laid upon me still more
cords and drew them tighter. Then, after passing by,
when we could hear no more the Sirens' voice nor any
singing, quickly my trusty crew removed the wax with
which I stopped their ears, and set me free from bon-
dage.
" Soon after we left the island, I obser\"ed a smoke,
I saw high waves and heard a plunging sound. From
the hands of my frightened men down fell the oars,
and splashed against the current. There the ship
stayed, for they worked the tapering oars no more.
Along the ship I passed, inspiriting my men v\^ith
cheering words, standing by each in turn :
" ' Friends, hitherto we have not been untried in
danger. Here is no greater danger than when the
Cyclops penned us Λνΐΐΐι brutal might in the deep cave.
Yet out of that, through energy of mine, through will
and wisdom, we escaped. These dangers, too, I think
some day we shall remember. Come then, and what
I say let us all follow. You with your oars strike
the deep breakers of the sea, while sitting at the pins,
and see if Zeus will set us free from present death
and let us go in safety. And, helmsman, these are
my commands for you; lay them to heart, for you
control the rudders of our hollow ship : keep the ship
off that smoke and surf and hug the crags, or else, be-
fore you know it, she may veer off that way, and you
will bring us into danger.'
" So I spoke, and my words they quickly heeded.
But Scjdla I did not name, — that hopeless horror, —
192 THE ODYSSEY. [XII. 224-259.
for fear through fright my men might cease to row,
and huddle all together in the hold. I disregarded
too the hard behest of Circe, when she had said I must
by no means arm. Putting on my glittering armor and
taking in my hands my two long spears, I went upon
the ship's fore-deck, for thence I looked for the first
sight of Scylla of the rock, who brought my men dis-
aster. Nowhere could I descry her ; I tired my eyes
with searching up and down the dusky cliff.
" So up the strait we sailed in sadness ; for here lay
Scylla, and there divine Charybdis fearfuUy sucked
the salt sea-water down. Whenever she belched it
forth, like a kettle in fierce flame all would foam
swirling up, and overhead spray fell upon the tops of
both the crags. But when she gulped the salt sea-
water down, then all within seemed in a whirl ; the
rock around roared fearfully, and down below the bot-
tom showed, dark with the sand. Pale terror seized
my men ; on her we looked and feared to die.
" And now it was that ScyUa snatched from the
hollow ship six of my comrades who were best in skill
and strength. Turning my eyes toward my swift ship
to seek my men, I saw their feet and hands already
in the air as they were carried up. They screamed
aloud and called my name for the last time, in agony
of heart. As when a fisher, on a jutting rock, with
long rod throws a bait to lure the little fishes, casting
into the deep the horn of stall-fed ox ; then, catching
a fish, flings it ashore writhing ; even so were these
drawn writhing up the rocks. There at her door she
ate them, loudly shrieking and stretching forth their
hands in mortal pangs toward me. That was the
saddest sight my eyes have ever seen, in all my toils,
searching the ocean pathways.
XII 260-293.] THE ODYSSEY. "^
" Now after we had passed the rocks of dire Cha-
rybdis and of Scylla, straight we drew near the pleas-
ant island of the god. Here were the goodly broad-
browed kine and the many sturdy flocks of the exalted
Sun. While still at sea, on the black ship, I heard
the lowing of stalled cattle and the bleat of sheep ;
and on my mind fell words of the blind prophet,
Teiresias of Thebes, and of Aeaean Circe, who very
strictly charged me to shun the island of the Sun, the
cheerer of mankind. So to• my men with aching heart
I said :
" * My suffering comrades, hearken to my words,
that I may tell you of the warnings of Teiresias, and
of Aeaean Circe, who very strictly charged me to
shun the island of the Sun, the cheerer of mankind ;
for there our deadliest danger lay, she said. Then
past the island speed the black ship on her way.'
"As I spoke thus, their very souls were crushed
within them, and instantly Eurylochus, with surly
words, made answer : ' Headstrong are you, Odysseus ;
more than man's is your mettle, and your limbs never
tire ; and yet you must be made of nothing else than
iron not to allow your comrades, worn with fatigue
and sleep, to land, though on this sea-girt island we
might make once more a savory supper. Instead,
just as we are, night falling fast, you bid us journey
on and wander from the island over the misty deep.
But in the night rough winds arise, fatal to vessels ;
and how could any one escape from utter ruin if by
some chance a sudden storm of wind should come, the
south wind or the blustering west, which wreck ships
oftentimes, heedless of sovereign gods? No, let us
now obey the dark night's bidding, let us prepare
our supper and rest by the black ship; to-morrow
morning we will embark and sail the open sea.'
4 THE ODYSSEY. [ΧΠ. 294-326.
" So spoke Eurylochus, tlie rest assented, and then
I knew some god intended ill ; and speaking in winged
words I said :
" ' Eurylochus, plainly you force me, since I am
only one. But come, all swear me now a solemn oath
that if we find a herd of cattle or great flock of sheep,
none in mad willfulness will slay a cow or sheep ; but
be content, and eat the food immortal Circe gave.'
" So I spoke, and they then took the oath which I
required. And after they had sworn and ended all
their oath, we moored our stanch ship in the rounded
harbor, near a fresh stream, and my companions left
the ship and busily got supper. But after they had
stayed desire for drink and food, then calling to re-
membrance their dear comrades, they wept for those
whom Scylla ate, those whom she snatched from out
the hollow ship ; and as they wept, on them there came
a pleasant sleep. Now when it was the third watch of
the night and the stars crossed the zenith, cloud-gather-
ing Zeus sent forth a furious wind in a fierce tempest,
and covered with his clouds both land and sea ; night
broke from heaven. And when the early rosy-fingered
dawn appeared, we beached our ship, hauling her up
into a hollow cave where there were pretty dancing-
grounds and haunts for nymphs. Then holding a
council, I said to all my men :
" ' Friends, there is food and drink enough on the
swift ship ; let us then spare the kine, for fear we
come to harm, for these are the herds and sturdy
flocks of a dread god, the Sun, who all things over-
sees, all overhears.'
" So I spoke, and their high hearts assented. But
all that month incessant south winds blew ; there
came no wind except from east and south. So long as
XII. 327-359.] THE ODYSSEY. 195
they had bread and ruddy wine, they spared the kine,
because they loved their lives. But when the vessel's
stores were now all spent, and roaming perforce they
sought for game, — for fish, for fowl, for what might
come to hand, caught by their crooked hooks, — and
hunger pinched their bellies, then I departed by my-
self far up the island, to beg the gods to show my
homeward way. And when by a walk across the is-
land I had escaped my crew, I washed my hands
where there was shelter from the breeze, and offered
prayer to all the gods that hold Olympus. But they
poured down sweet sleep upon my eyelids, while Eury-
lochus began his evil counsel to my crew :
" ' My suffering comrades, hearken to my words.
Hateful is every form of death to wretched mortals ;
and yet to die by hunger, and so to meet one's doom,
is the most pitiful of all. Come then, and let us drive
away the best of the Sun's kine, and sacrifice them to
the immortals who hold the open sky. And if we
ever come to Ithaca, our native land, we will at once
build a rich temple to the exalted Sun, and put therein
many fair offerings. If then the Sun, wroth for his
high-horned kine, seeks to destroy our ship, and other
gods consent, for my part I would rather, open-mouthed
in the sea, give up my life at once than slowly let it
wear away here in this desert island.'
" So spoke Eurylochus ; the rest assented. Forth-
with they drove away the best of the Sun's kine out
of the field close by ; for not far from the dark-bowed
ship the kine were grazing, crook-horned and beauti-
ful and broad of brow. Round them they stood and
prayed the gods, stripping the tender leaves from off
a lofty oak ; for they had no white barley on the well-
benched ship. Then after prayer, when they had cut
196 THE ODYSSEY. [XII. 360-390.
the throats and flayed the kine, they cut away the
thighs, wrapped them in fat in double layers, and
placed raw flesh thereon. They had no wine to pour
upon the blazing victims, but using water for libation
they roasted all the entrails. So after the thighs were
burned and the inward parts were tasted, they sliced
the rest and stuck it on the spits.
" And now the pleasant sleep fled from my eyelids ;
I hastened to the swift ship and the shore. But on
my way, as I drew near to the curved ship, around
me came the savory smeU of fat. I groaned and
called aloud to the immortal gods :
" Ό father Zeus, and all you other blessed gods
that live forever, verily to my ruin you laid me in
ruthless sleep, while my men left behind plotted a
monstrous deed.'
" Soon to the exalted Sun came long-robed Lampe-
tia, bearing him word that we had slain his kine ; and
straightway with an angry heart he thus invoked the
immortals :
" ' Ο father Zeus, and all you other blessed gods
that live forever, avenge me on the comrades of Laer-
tes' son, Odysseus, who insolently slew the kine in
which I joy as I go forth into the starry sky, or as
again toward earth I turn back from the sky. But
if they do not make me fit atonement for the kine, I
will go down to Hades and shine among the dead.'
" Then answered him cloud-gathering Zeus, and
said : ' Ο Sun, do you shine on among the immortals
and on the fruitful fields of mortal men. Soon I will
smite their swift ship with a gleaming bolt, and cleave
it in pieces in the middle of the wine-dark sea.'
" All this I heard from fair-haired Calypso, who
said she heard it from the Guide-god Hermes.
XII. 391-425.] THE ODYSSEY. 197
" Now when I came to the ship and to the sea, I
chid my meu, confronting each in turn. But no help
could we find ; the kine were dead already. Soon too
the gods made j>rodigies appear : the skins would
crawl; the spitted flesh, both roast and raw, would
moan ; and sounds came forth like those of kine.
" For six days afterwards my trusty comrades
feasted, for they had driven away the best of the Sun's
kine ; but when Zeus, the son of Kronos, brought the
seventh day round, then the wind ceased to blow a
gale, and we in haste embarking put forth on the open
sea, setting our mast and hoisting the white sail.
" Yet when we had left the island and no other land
appeared, but only sky and sea, the son of Kronos set
a dark cloud over the hollow ship and the deep
gloomed below. The ship ran on for no long time ;
for soon a shrill west wind arose, blowing a heavy
gale. The storm of wind snapped both the forestays
of the mast. Back the mast fell, and all its gear lay
scattered in the hold. At the ship's stern it struck
the helmsman on the head and crushed his skull, all
in an instant ; like a diver from the deck he dropped,
and from his frame the strong life fled. Zeus at the
same time thundered, hurling his bolt against the ship.
She quivered in every part, struck by the bolt of Zeus,
and filled with sulphur smoke. Out of the ship my
comrades fell and then like sea-fowl were borne by
the side of the black ship along the waves ; God cut
them off from coming home.
*' I myself paced the ship until the surge tore her
ribs off the keel, which the waves then carried along
dismantled. The mast broke at the keel ; but to it
clung the backstay, made of ox-hide. With this I
bound the two together, keel and mast, and getting a
seat on these, I drifted before the deadly winds.
198 THE ODYSSEY. [XII. 426-453.
" And now the west wind ceased to blow a gale ; but
soon the south wind came and brought me anguish
that I must measure back my way to fell Charybdis.
All night I drifted on, and with the sunrise I came to
Scylla's crag and dire Charybdis. She at that moment
sucked the salt sea-water down ; and when to the tall
fig-tree I was upward borne, I clutched and clung as a
bat clings. Yet could I nowhere set my feet firmly
down or climb the tree ; for its roots were far away
and out of reach its branches, and these were long
and large, and overspread Charybdis. But steadily
I clung, until she should disgorge my mast and keel ;
and as I hoped they came, though it was late. But at
the hour one rises from the assembly for his supper,
after deciding many quarrels of contentious men, then
was it that the timbers came to light from out Cha-
rybdis. I let go feet and hands, and down I dropped
by the long timbers, and getting a seat on these rowed
onward with my hands. But the father of men and
gods gave me no further sight of Scylla, or else I
should not have escaped from utter ruin.
" Thence for nine days I drifted ; on the tenth, at
night, gods brought me to the island of Ogygia, where
dwells Calypso, a fair-haired powerful goddess, hu-
man of speech. She welcomed me and gave me care.
Why tell the tale ? It was but yesterday I told it in
the hall to you and your good wife ; and it is irk-
some to tell a plain-told tale a second time."
XIII.
FROM PHAEACIA TO ITHACA.
As he thus ended, all were hushed to silence, held
by the spell throughout the dusky hall. At length,
Alcinoiis answering said ; " Odysseus, having crossed
the brazen threshold of my high-roofed house, you
shall be aided home with no more wanderings, be
sure, long as you now have suffered. And this I say
with earnestness to evervbody here, to you who in my
hall drink of the elders' sparkling wine and listen to
the bard : you knov/ that in a polished chest lie gar-
ments for the stranger, with rich- wrought gold and
all the other gifts which the Phaeacian councilors have
brought him hither. But let us also, each man here,
give a caldron and large tripod ; then gathering the
cost among the people, we will repay ourselves. For
one to give outright were hard indeed."
So said Alcinoiis, and his saying pleased them ;
and now desiring rest, they each departed homeward.
But when the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared, they
hastened to the ship and brought the gladdening
bronze. Revered Alcinoiis, going himself aboard the
vessel, stowed it all carefully beneath the benches, so
that it might not incommode the crew upon the pas-
sage while they labored at the oars. Then to Alci-
noiis' house they went and turned to feasting.
In their behalf revered Alcinoiis offered an ox to
Zeus of the dark cloud, the son of Kronos, who is the
200 THE ODYSSEY. [XIII. 26-58.
lord of all ; and having burned the thighs, they held
a glorious feast and made them merry. Among them
sang the sacred bard, Demodocus, beloved of all.
Nevertheless Odysseus would often turn his face to-
ward the still shining sun, eager to see its setting, be-
cause he was impatient to be gone. As a man longs
for supper whose pair of tawny oxen all day long have
dragged the jointed plough through the fresh field ;
gladly for him the sunlight sinks and sends him home
to supper ; stiff are his knees for walking ; so gladly
for Odysseus sank the sun. Straightway he turned
to the oar-loving Phaeacians, and speaking to Alcinotis
especially he said :
" Mighty Alcinoiis, renowned of all, pour a libation
and send me safely forth. Fare you all well ! All
that my heart desired is reaa}'" — escort and friendly
gifts — and may the gods of heaven make them a
blessing ! My true wife may I find on coming home,
and dear ones safe! And you who stay, may you
make glad your wedded wives and children ! The
gods bestow all happiness, and may no ill be found
among you I "
He spoke, and all approved and bade send forth the
stranger, for rightly had he spoken. Then said re-
vered Alcinoiis to the page : " Ponton oiis, mix a bowl
and pass the wine to all within the hall, that with a
prayer to father Zeus we may send forth the stranger
to his native land."
He spoke ; Pontonoiis stirred the cheering wine and
served to all in turn ; then to the blessed gods who
hold the open sky they poured libations where they
sat. But royal Odysseus rose, placed in Arete's
hand the double cup, and speaking in winged words
he said :
XIII. 59-92.] THE ODYSSEY. 201
" Fare you well, queen, for all the years until old
age and death, which visit all, shall come. I go my
way ; may you within this home enjoy your children,
people, and Alcinoiis the king ! "
So saying, royal Odysseus crossed the threshold.
With him revered Alcinoiis sent a page, to show the
way to the swift ship and to the shore. Arete too
sent damsels after : one with the spotless robe and
tunic, one to accompany the close-packed chest, and
one bore bread and ruddy wine.
Now wlien they came to the ship and to the sea,
straight the tall seamen took the stores and laid them
by within the hollow ship, even all the food and drink.
Then for Odysseus they spread a rug and linen sheet
on the lioUow vessel's deck, so that he might sleep
soundly, there at the 'stern ; and he himself embarked
and laid him down in silence. The other men took
places at the pins, each one in order, and loosed the
cable from the perforated stone. But now when bend-
ing to their work they tossed the water with their oars,
upon Odysseus' lids deep slumber fell, sound and most
pleasant, very like to death. And as upon a plain
four harnessed stallions spring forward all together
at the crack of whiji, and lifting high their feet speed
swiftly on their way ; even so the ship's stern lifted,
while in her wake followed a huge upheaving wave of
the resounding sea. Safely and steadily she ran ; no
circling hawk, swiftest of winged things, could keep
beside her. Running thus rapidly she cut the ocean
waves, bearing a man of godlike wisdom, a man who
had before met many griefs of heart, cleaving his
way through wars of men and through the boisterous
seas, yet here slept undisturbed, heedless of all he
suffered.
202 THE ODYSSEY. [XIII. 93-127.
As that most briUiant star arose wliicli comes the
surest herald of the light of early dawn, the sea-borne
ship drew near the island.
Now in the land of Ithaca there is a certain harbor
sacred to Phorcys, the old man of the sea. Here two
projecting jagged cliffs slope inward toward the harbor
and break the heavy waves raised by wild winds with-
out. Inside, without a cable ride the well-benched
ships when once they reach the roadstead. Just at the
harbor's head a leafy olive stands, and near it a pleas-
ant darksome cave sacred to nymj^hs, called Naiads.
Within the cave are bowls and jars of stone, and here
bees hive their honey. Long looms of stone are here,
where nymphs w^ave purple robes, a marvel to behold.
Here are ever-flowing springs. The cave has double
doors : one to the north, accessible to men ; one to the
south, for gods. By this, men do not pass ; it is the
immortals' entrance.
Here they rowed in, knowing the place of old. The
ship ran up the shore full half her length, by rea-
son of her speed ; so was she driven by her rowers'
arms. The men then left the timbered ship and came
ashore, and straightway took Odysseus from the hol-
low ship — him and his linen sheet and bright-hued
rug — and set him on the sands, still sunk in sleep.
They also brought the treasure out which the Phaeacian
chiefs gave him at his departure, prompted by kind
Athene, and laid it all together by the olive trunk a
little off the road ; for fear, before Odysseus woke,
some passer-by might come and harm it. Then they
departed homeward. Nevertheless the Earth-shaker
did not forget the threats with which at first he threat-
ened great Odysseus, but thus he asked the purposes
of Zeus :
ΧΠΙ. 128-158.] THE ODYSSEY. 203
" Ο father Zeus, no more shall I be honored among
immortal gods if mortal men, the people of Phaeacia,
honor me not, though men of my own kin. For I had
meant that through much hardship Odysseus should
return ; I never tried to cut him off from coming al-
together, because you gave him once a promise and
confirmed it with a nod. Yet these Phaeacians have
borne him through the sea on their swift ship asleep,
and set him down in Ithaca, and given him glorious
gifts — such stores of bronze and gold and woven stuffs
as Odysseus never would have won from Troy itself,
had he returned unharmed with his due share of
spoil."
Then answered him cloud-gathering Zeus and said :
" For shame, wide-ruling Land-shaker ! What are you
saying ? The gods do not refuse you honor. Hard
would it be to cast dishonor on our oldest and our
best. And as to men, if any, led by pride and power,
dishonors you, vengeance is j^ours and shall be ever.
Do what you will, even all your heart's desire ! "
Then earth - shaking Poseidon answered : " Soon
would I do, dark-clouded one, all that you say, but
that I ever dread and would avoid your wrath. Even
now this shapely ship of the Phaeacians, returning
home from pilotage upon the misty sea, I would de-
stroy, — that they henceforth may hold aloof and cease
to give men aid, — and I would throw a lofty mound
about their city."
Then answered him cloud-gathering Zeus and said :
" Friend, this appears to me the better way. When
all the people of the town look off and see her sailing,
then turn her into stone close to the shore, — yet like
a swift ship still, — that all the folk may marvel,
and throw a lofty mound about their city."
204 THE ODYSSEY. [XIII. lo9-191.
On hearing this, earth-sliaking Poseidon hastened
to Scheria, where the Phaeacians live, and waited
there. Then as the sea-borne ship drew near, run-
ning full swiftly, the Earth-shaker drew near her too,
turned her to stone and rooted her to the bottom,
forcing her under with his outspread hand, and Λvent
aAvay ; but in winged words to one another talked the
Phaeacian oarsmen, notable men at sea. And glan-
cing at his neighbor a Phaeacian man would say :
" Hah I Who stopped the swift ship on the sea as
she was running in ? In full sight too she was."
, So they would say, but knew not how things were.
And now Alcinoiis addressed them thus : " Ah, surely
then the ancient oracles are come to pass, told by my
father, who said Poseidon was displeased because we
were safe guides for all mankind ; and he averred the
god one day would wreck a shapely ship of the Phaea-
cians, returning home from pilotage upon the misty
sea, and so would throw a lofty mound about our city.
That was the old man's tale, and now it all comes
true. However, what I say let us all follow: stop
piloting the men who come from time to time here to
our city ; and to Poseidon let us offer twelve choice
bulls, that he may have compassion and so not throw
a lofty mound about our city."
He spoke, and all the people feared and brought
the bulls. And then to lord Poseidon, standing
around his altar, the captains and councilors of the
Phaeacians offered prayer.
Meanwhile within his native land royal Odysseus
woke from sleep, and did not know the land from
which he had been gone so long ; for a goddess spread
a cloud around, even Pallas Athene, daughter of Zeus,
that she might render him unknown and herself tell
XIII. 192-225.] THE ODYSSEY. 205
him all, and that his wife, his townsfolk, and his
friends might never know him until the suitors paid
the price of all their lawless deeds. Thus to its mas-
ter all the land looked strange, — the footpaths
stretching far away, the sheltered coves, steep rocks,
and spreading trees. Rising, he stood and gazed
upon his land, then groaned and smote his thighs
with outspread hands, saying in anguish :
" Alas ! To what men's land am I come now ?
Lawless and savage are they, with no regard for right,
or are they kind to strangers and reverent toward the
gods ? ΛVhere shall I leave my many goods, and
whither shall I turn ? AYould these had staid with
the Phaeacians where they were, and I myself had
found some other powerful prince who might have
entertained me and sent me on my way ! Now, where
to store my goods I do not know ; yet here I must
not leave them, to fall a prey to strangers. Not at
all wise and just were the Phaeacian captains and
councilors in bringing me to this strange shore.
They promised they would carry me to far-seen Ithaca,
but that they did not do. May Zeus, the god of sup-
pliants, reward them ! For over all men watches
Zeus, chastising those who sin. However, let me
count my goods, and see that the Phaeacians took
none away upon their hollow ship."
So saying, he counted the beautiful tripods, the
caldrons, gold, and goodly woven stuffs, and none
was lacking. Then sighing for his native land he
paced the shore of the resounding sea in sadness.
Near him Athene drew, in form of a young shepherd,
yet delicate as are the sons of kings. Doubled about
her shoulders she wore a fine-wrought mantle ; under
her shining feet her sandals, and in her hand a spear.
206 THE ODYSSEY. [XIII. 226-260.
To see lier made Odysseus glad. He went to meet
her, and speaking in winged words he said :
'' Friend, since you are the first I find within this
land, I bid you welcome, and hope you come with no
ill-will. Nay, save these goods and save me too ! I
supplicate you as a god, and I aj^proach your knees.
And tell me truly this, that I may know full well,
what land is this ? AYhat peojDle ? What sort of
men dwell here ? Is it a far-seen island, or a tongue
of fertile mainland that stretches out to sea ? "
Then said to him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" You are simple, stranger, or come from far away, to
ask about this land. It is not quite so nameless.
Many men know it well, men dwelling toward the east
and rising sun, and those behind us also toward the
darksome west. It is a rugged land, not fit for driv-
ing horses, yet not so very poor though lacking plains.
Grain grows abundantly and wine as well ; the show-
ers are frequent and the dews refreshing ; here is good
pasturage for goats and cattle ; trees of all kinds are
here, and never - failing springs. So, stranger, the
name of Ithaca has gone as far as Troy, which is, they
say, a long way from Achaea."
She spoke, and glad was long-tried royal Odysseus,
fiUed with delight over his native land through what
was said by Pallas Athene, daughter of segis-bearing
Zeus ; and speaking in winged words he said, — yet
uttered not the truth, but turned his words awry, ever
revolving in his breast some gainful purpose :
" In lowland Crete, I heard of Ithaca far off be-
yond the sea, and now I reach it — I and these
goods of mine. I left an equal portion to my children
and fled away from home ; for I had killed the dear
son of Idomeneus, Orsilochus, the runner, who on the
XIII. 261-292.] THE ODYSSEY. 207
plains of Crete beat all us toiling men in speed of
foot. The cause was this : he sought to cut me off
from all the Trojan spoil to gain which I bore grief
of heart, cleaving my way through wars of men and
through the boisterous seas ; and all because I did
not, as he wished, serve with his father in the land of
Troy, but led my separate men. AYith a brazen spear
I struck him as he was coming from his farm and I
was lying with a comrade near the road. A very dark
night screened the sky ; no man observed us ; secretly
I took his life. So after I had slain him with my
brazen pointed spear, I straightway sought a ship,
asked aid of the proud Phoenicians, and gave them
from my booty what they wished. I bade them take
me on their ship and set me down at Pylos, or else at
sacred Elis wdiere the Epeians rule. But stress of
wind turned them aside, though much against their
will ; they meant no wrong ; and missing our course,
here we arrived last night. With much ado we rowed
into the port, and gave no thought to supper, hungry
although we w^re, but simply disembarking from the
ship, we all lay down. Then, weary as I w^as, sweet
sleep came on me ; and the Phoenicians, taking my
treasure from the hollow ship, laid it upon the sands
where I was lying, and they embarked and sailed away
to stately Sidon. So I was left behind with aching
heart."
As he thus spoke, the goddess, clear-eyed Athene,
smiled and patted him with her hand. Her form
gTcw like a woman's, — one fair and tall and skilled
in dainty WOik, — and speaking in winged words she
said :
" Prudent and wily must one be to overreach you
in craft of any kind, even though it be a god who
208 THE ODYSSEY. [XIII. 293-326.
strives to match you. Bold, sliifty, and insatiate of
wiles, will you not now within your land cease from
the false misleading tales which from the bottom of
your heart you love ? But let us talk no longer thus,
both being versed in wiles ; for you are far the best
of men in plots and tales, and I of all the gods am
famed for craft and wiles. And yet you did not
know me, Pallas Athene, daughter of Zeus, me who
am ever near to guard you in all toil, me who have
made you welcome to all Phaeacian folk ! Now I am
come to frame with you a scheme to hide the treasure
which the Phaeacian chiefs, through my advice and
prompting, gave you at your departure ; and I will
tell you too what griefs you must endure within your
stately house. Bear them, because you must. Do not
report to man or woman of them all that you are
come froQi wandering ; but silently receive all pains
and bear men's buffets."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Hard
is it, goddess, for a man, however wise he be, to know
when you are near, because you take all forms. I
very well remember how kind to me you were when
all we young Achaean s were in the war at Troy. But
since we overthrew the lofty town of Priam, since we
went away in ships and God dispersed the Achaeans, I
never once have seen you, daughter of Zeus, nor known
you to draw near my ship protecting me from harm.
Yet bearing ever in my breast a stricken heart, I wan-
dered till the gods delivered me from ill, when in the
rich land of the Phaeacians you cheered me by your
words and led me to the city. Now I entreat you
by your father's name, for I cannot think that I am
come to far-seen Ithaca» No, I have strayed to some
strange shore, and you in mockery, I think, have told
XIII. 327-360.] THE ODYSSEY. 209
this tale to cheat me. Bat tell me, have I really
reached my own dear land ? "
Then answered him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Such thoughts as these are ever in your breast ;
therefore I cannot leave you even in misfortune, be-
cause you are discreet, wary, and steadfast. For any
other man on coming back from wanderings would
eagerly have hastened home to see his wife and chil-
dren ; but you have no desire to know or hear of them
till you have proved your wife, who as of old sits in
your hall and wearily the nights and days are Avasted
with her tears. But I for my part never doubted. I
knew within my heart that you would come, though
with the loss of all your men. But I did not Avish to
quarrel with Poseidon, my father's brother, who bore
a grudge against you in his heart, angry because you
blinded his dear son. Come then, and let me point
you out the parts of Ithaca, that so you may believe.
Here is the port of Phorcys, the old man of the sea ;
here at the harbor's head the leafy olive ; and near
at hand the pleasant darksome cave, sacred to nymphs
called Naiads ; here is the arching cavern too, where
oftentimes you made due sacrifices to the nymphs ;
and this is the wood-clad hill of Neriton."
The goddess, speaking thus, scattered the cloud, and
plain the land appeared. Then glad Avas long-tried
royal Odysseus, and he exulted in his land and kissed
the bounteous earth, and straightway pra-yed the
nymphs with outstretched hands :
" Ο Naiad Nymphs, daughters of Zeus, I said I
should not see you any more, yet now with loving
prayers I give you greeting. Gifts will we also give,
even as of old, if the daughter of Zeus, the Plunderer,
graciously grants me life and prospers my dear son."
210 THE ODYSSEY. [XIIL 361-393.
Then said to him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Be of good courage ! Let not these things vex your
mind I But in a corner of the monstrous cave let us
lay by the goods, instantly, now, here to remain in
safety ; then let us plan how all may turn out well."
So saying, the goddess entered the darksome cave,
and searched about the cave for hiding-places. Odys-
seus too brought hither all he had, gold and enduring
bronze and fair-wrought raiment, things given by the
Phaeacians. All these were laid away with care, and
at the entrance a stone was set by Pallas Athene,
daughter of iegis-bearing Zeus. Then sitting down at
the foot of the sacred olive, they planned the death of
the audacious suitors; and thus began the goddess,
clear-eyed Athene :
" High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, con-
sider how to lay hands on the shameless suitors, who
for three years have held dominion in your hall, wooing
your matchless wife and offering bridal gifts ; while
she, continually mourning at heart over your coming,
gives hopes to all, has promises for each, and sends
each messages ; but her mind has a different purpose."
Then \vise Odysseus answered her and said : " Cer-
tainly here at home I too had met the evil fate of Aga-
memnon, the son of Atreus, had you not, goddess, duly
told me all. Come then, and frame a plot for me to
win revenge. And do you stand beside me, inspiring
hardy courage, e\^en so as when we tore the shining
crown from Troy. If you would stand as stoutly by
me, clear-eyed one, then I would face three hundred
men, mated with you, dread goddess, with you for my
strong aid."
Then answered him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" I surely will be with you ; you shall never be forgot
XIII. 394-428.] THE ODYSSEY. 211
when we begin the work. Some too, I think, shall
spatter with their blood and brains the spacious floor,
some of these suitors who devour your living. But let
me make you strange to all men's view. I will shrivel
the fair flesh on your supple limbs, pluck from your
head the yellow locks, and clothe you in such rags
that they who see shall loathe the wearer. And I
will blear your eyes, so beautiful before, that you may
seem repulsive to all the suitors here, and even to
your wife and the son you left at home. But first
seek out the swineherd, the keeper of your swine ; for
he is loyal, loving your son and steadfast Penelope.
You will find him sitting by his swine. They feed
along the Raven Crag by the spring of Arethusa,
eating the pleasant acorns and drinking the shaded
water, a food which breeds abundant fat in swine.
There Avait, and sitting by his side question hin
fully; while I go on to Sparta, the land of lovel•
women, to summon thence Telemachus, your soi
Odysseus. He went to spacious Lacedaemon to vie
Menelaus, hoping to learn if you were still alive."
Then wise Odysseus answered her aixl z?'A :
" Why, knowing all, did you yourself not tell him ?
Must he too meet with sorrow, roaming the barren
sea, while others eat his substance ? "
Then answered him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Nay, let him not too much oppress your heart. I
was myself his guide, and helped him win a noble name
by going thither. He meets no hardship there, but
sits at ease within the palace of the son of Atreus,
with plenty all around. Young men, indeed, now lie
in wait on their black ship and seek to cut him off
before he gains his native land. Yet this I think
shall never be ; rather the earth shall cover some of
the suitors who devour your living."
212 THE ODYSSEY. [XIII. 429-440.
So having said, Athene touched him with her wand,
shriveled the fair flesh on his supple limbs, plucked
from his head the yellow locks, and made the skin of
all his limbs the skin of an old man. Likewise she
bleared his eyes, so beautiful before, and gave him for
his clothing a wretched frock and tunic, tattered and
foul and grimed with filthy smoke. Then over all she
threw a swift deer's ample hide, stripped of its hair ;
and gave him a staff and miserable wallet, full of holes,
which hung upon a cord.
So having formed their plans, they parted ; and
thereupon the goddess went to sacred Lacedaemon,
seeking Odysseus' son.
XIV.
THE STAY WITH EUI^IAEUS.
But from the harbor, up the rocky path, along the
woody country on the hills, Odysseus went to where
Athene bade him seek the noble swineherd, who
guarded his estate more carefully than any man royal
Odysseus owned.
He found him sitting in his porch, by which was
built a high-walled yard upon commanding ground,
a handsome yard and large, with space around.
With his own hands the swineherd built it for the
swine after his lord was gone, without assistance
from the queen or old Laertes, constructing it with
blocks of stone and coping it with thorn. Outside
the yard he drove down stakes the whole way round,
stout and close-set, of split black oak. Inside the
yard he made twelve sties alongside one another,
as bedding places for the swine ; and fifty swine that
wallow in the mire were penned in each, all of them
sows for breeding ; the boars, much fewer, lay out-
side. On these the gallant suitors feasted and kept
their number small; for daily the swineherd sent
aw^ay the best fat hog he had. Three hundred and
sixty they were now. Hard by, four dogs, like wild
beasts, always lay, dogs which the swineherd bred,
the overseer. He was himself now fitting sandals
to his feet, cutting therefor a well-tanned hide. The
other men were gone their several ways : three with
214 THE ODYSSEY. [XIV. 26-56.
tlie swine to pasture ; a fourth sent to the town to
take to the audacious suitors, as was ordered, a hog
to slay and sate their souls with meat.
But now the ever-barking dogs suddenly spied Odys-
seus, and baying rushed upon him ; whereat Odys-
seus calmly sat down and from his hand let fall his
staff. Yet here at his own farm he would have come
to cruel grief, had not the swineherd, springing swiftly
after, dashed from the door and from his hand let fall
the leather. Scolding the dogs, he drove them off this
way and that wdth showers of stones, and thus ad-
dressed his master :
" Old man, my dogs had nearly torn you to pieces
here all of a sudden, and so you would have brought
reproach on me. Ah well ! The gods have given
me other griefs and sorrows ; for over my matchless
master I sit and sigh and groan, and tend fat hogs for
other men to eat ; while he, perhaps longing for food,
wanders about the lands and towns of men of alien
speech, — if he still lives and sees the sunshine. But
follow me, old man, into the lodge ; so that you too,
when satisfied with food and drink, may tell where
you are come from and what troubles you have borne."
So saying, to the lodge the noble swineherd led the
way, and bringing Odysseus in made him a seat. Be-
neath, he laid thick brushwood, and on the top he
spread a shaggy wild goat's great soft skin, his usual
bed. Odysseus was pleased that he received him so,
and spoke and thus addressed him :
" Stranger, may Zeus and the other deathless gods
grant all you most desire for treating me so kindly ! "
And, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him and
said : " Stranger, it is not right for me to slight a
stranger, not even one in poorer plight than you ; for
XIV. 57-88.] THE ODYSSEY. 215
in the charge of Zeus all strangers and beggars stand,
and our small gift is welcome. But so it is with ser-
vants, continually afraid when new men are their mas-
ters ! Surely the gods kept him from coming who
would have loved me well and given me for my own
the things a generous master always allows his man — >
a house, a plot of ground, and a fair wife — at least
when one has labored long, and God has made his
work to prosj^er, as he makes prosper all the work I
undertake. So would my master have well rewarded
me, had he but grown old here. But he is gone !
AVould all the tribe of Helen had gone too, down
on their knees I for she has made the knees of many
men grow weak. Yes, he too went for Agamemnon's
honor to Ilios, famed for horses, to fight the Trojans
there."
So saying, he hurriedly girt his tunic with his belt,
and went to the sties where droves of pigs were
penned. Selecting two, he brought them in and
killed them both, singed them and sliced them and
stuck them on the spits, and roasting carried all the
meat to offer to Odysseus, hot on the spits themselves.
He sprinkled it with white barley. Then in an ivy
bowl he mixed some honeyed wine, and taking a seat
over against Odysseus thus cheerily began :
" Now, stranger, eat what servants have, this young
pig's flesh. The fatted hogs are eaten by the suitors,
who heed not in their hearts the wrath of Hea\^en, nor
even pity. Yet reckless deeds the blessed gods love
not ; they honor justice and men's upright deeds.
AVhy, evil-minded cruel men who land on a foreign
shore, and Zeus allows them plunder so that they sail
back home with %vell-filled ships, — even on the hearts
of such falls a great fear of heavenly wrath. But these
216 THE ODYSSEY. [XIV. 89-120.
men know o£ something, having heard the utterance
of some god about his mournful end, and therefore
they are minded to woo so laΛvlessly, never depart-
ing to their homes, but at their ease wasting this
wealth with recklessness and sparing naught. For
every day and night sent us by Zeus, they slay their
victims, no mere one or two ; and wane they also waste
with reckless draughts. Odysseus' means were vast.
No noble has so much on the dark mainland or in
Ithaca itself. No twenty men together have such
revenues as he. I will reckon up the sum. Twelve
herds upon the mainland ; as many flocks of sheep ;
as many droves of swine ; as many roving bands of
goats ; all shepherded by foreigners and herdsmen of
his own. Then here in Ithaca graze roving bands of
goats, eleven in all, along the farther shore, and trusty
herdsmen Avatch them. Of these the herdsman e\^ery
day drives up the fatted goat that seems the best. My
task it is to guard and keep these swine, and picking
carefully the best to send it to the suitors."
So spoke the swineherd, while his companion hun-
grily ate his meat and drank with eagerness his wine
in silence, sowing the seeds of evil for the suitors.
But after he had dined and stayed his heart with
food, Eumaeus, filling for his guest the cup from
which he drank, gave it brimful of wine. Odysseus
took it and was glad at heart, and speaking in winged
words he said :
"My friend, who was the man that bought you
with his wealth and was so very rich and powerful as
you say ? You said he died for Agamemnon's honor.
Tell me. I may have known some such as he. Zeus
and the other deathless gods must know if I have seen
him and can give you news ; but I have traveled far."
XIV. 121-153.] THE ODYSSEY. 217
Then said to him the swineherd, the overseer :
" Old man, no traveler coming here to tell of him
could win his wife or son to trust the story. Lightly
do vagrants seeking hospitality tell lies, and never
care to speak the truth. So when a vagabond reaches
the land of Ithaca, he comes and chatters cheating
stories to my queen. And she receives him well and,
giving entertainment, questions him closely, while
from her weeping eyelids trickle tears ; for that is
the way with wives when husbands die afar. You
too, old man, would soon be patching up a story if
somebody would give you clothes, a coat and tunic.
But probably already dogs and swift birds have
plucked the flesh from off his bones and life has left
him ; or fishes devoured him in the deep, and on the
land his bones are lying wrapped in a heap of sand.
So he died, far away, and for his friends sorrow is left
behind — for all of them, and most of all for me ; for
never another such kind master shall I find, go where
I may, not even if I return to my father's and mo-
ther's house, where I was born and where my parents
reared me. Yet nowadays for them I do not greatly
grieve, much as I wish to see them and to be in my
own land ; but longing possesses me for lost Odysseus.
Why, stranger, though he is not here I speak his
name with awe ; for he was very kind and loved me
from his heart, and worshipful I call him even when
he is away."
Then long-tried royal Odysseus answered thus :
" Friend, though you wholly contradict and say he will
not come, and ever unbelieving is your heart, yet I
declare, not with mere words but with an oath, Odys-
seus will return. Give me the fee for welcome news
when he arrives at home. Then clothe me in a coat
218 THE ODYSSEY. [XIV. 154-187.
and tunic, goodly garments. Before tliat time, how-
ever great my need, I will take nothing ; for hateful
as the gates of hell is he who pressed by poverty tells
cheating tales. First then of all the gods be witness
Zeus, and let this hospitable table and the hearth of
good Odysseus whereto I come be witness : all this
shall be accomplished exactly as I say. This very
year Odysseus comes. As this moon wanes and as the
next appears, he shall return and punish all who
wrong his wife and gallant son."
And, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him and
said : " Old man, I never then shall give that fee for
welcome news, nor will Odysseus reach his home.
Nay, drink in peace. Let us turn to other thoughts,
and do not bring such matters to remembrance. Ah,
my heart aches within when one recalls my honored
master ! As for the oath, why let it be ; yet may
Odysseus come, as I desire ! — I and Penelope, Laertes
the old man, and prince Telemachus. But now I
have unceasing grief about Odysseus' child, Telema-
chus ; whom when the gods had made to grow like a
young sapling, and I would often say that he would
stand in men's esteem no whit behind his father, glo-
rious in form and beauty, some god or man upset the
balanced mind within, and off he went for tidings of
his father to hallowed Pylos. And now the lordly suit-
ors watch for his coming home, hoping to have the race
of prince Arceisius blotted from Ithaca and left with-
out a name. However, let us leave him too, whether
lie falls or flies, or whether the son of Kronos holds
over him his arm. But come, old man, relate to me
your troubles ; and tell me truly this, that I may
know fuU well: Who are you? Of what people?
Where is your town and kindred ? On what ship
XIV. 188-223.] THE ODYSSEY. 219
did you come ? And how did sailors bring you to
Ithaca ? Whom did they call themselves ? For I am
sure you did not come on foot."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said:
" Well, I will very plainly tell you this. But had we
in the lodge food and sweet wine for long, and should
we feast in quiet, letting others do our work, then
might I easily not finish in a year the tale of all the
toils I bore by the gods' bidding.
" Of a family in lowland Crete I boast that I was
born, a rich man's son. There were many sons be-
side, born and brought up within that hall, sons of a
lawful wife. Me a bought mother bore, a concubine ;
yet he gave me equal honor with his true-begotten
sons, this Castor, son of Hylax, whose child I say I
am. Among the Cretans he was at this time honored
throughout the land as if he were a god, because of his
prosperity, his wealth, and famous sons ; but death's
doom bore him to the house of Hades, and his dis-
dainful sons divided up his living, casting lots. Me
they assigned a very meagre share, besides my dwell-
ing. Nevertheless, I took to wife the daughter of
a wealthy house, winning her by my merit ; because
I was no weakling and not afraid of war. Now all
is gone. Yet still, when you see stubble I think you
know the grain ; hardships innumerable have pressed
me sore. In those days Ares and Athene gave me
courage, and strength to break the line ; and when I
picked our bravest for an ambush, sowing the seeds of
evil for our foes, my swelling heart cast not a look on
death ; but charging ever foremost, I would catch upon
my spear whatever foeman showed less speed than I.
Such was I once in war ; labor I never liked, nor
household thrift, which breeds good children. But
220 THE ODYSSEY. [XIV. 224-258.
ships equipped with oars were ever my delight, battles
and polished javelins and arrows — appalling things,
which are to others hateful. Whatever God put in
my heart I liked ; for different men delight in differ-
ent deeds. Before the young Achaeans went to Troy,
nine times I led forth men and sea-bound ships to
plunder foreign tribes ; and much I gained. Out of
the spoil I picked what pleased me and then obtained
much afterwards by lot. Thus rapidly my household
grew, and I became a man of weight and honor with
the Cretans. But when far-seeing Zeus ordained the
unhapp3^ journey which made the knees of many men
grow weak, they called on me and famed Idomeneus
to lead the ships to Ilios. We had no power to say
them nay; the people's voice was stern. There for
nine years we young Achaeans battled, and in the
tenth, destroying the town of Priam, turned home-
wards with our ships. But God dispersed the
Achaeans ; especially for hapless me wise Zeus in-
tended ill. Only a month I stayed at home, glad in
my children, in my wedded wife and in my goods ;
and then my heart impelled me to make a voyage to
Egypt with gallant comrades and with ships well
fitted out. Nine ships I fitted, and my force was
gathered soon.
"For six days afterwards my trusty comrades
feasted, and I pro\dded many victims to offer to the
gods and make my men a feast. Embarking on the
seventh, we sailed from lowland Crete, the north wind
fresh and fair, and moved off easily as if down stream.
No ship met harm ; but safe and sound we sat, v/hile
wind and helmsmen kept us steady. In five days we
arrived at Egypt's flowing stream, and in the Egyptian
river I anchored my curved ships. Then to my
XIV. 259-291.] THE ODYSSEY. 221
trusty men I gave command to stay there by the ships
and guard the ships, while I sent scouts to points of
observation ; but giving way to lawlessness and fol-
lowing their own bent, they presently began to pillage
the fair fields of the Egyptians, carrying off wives and
infant children and slaughtering the men. Soon the
din reached the city. The people there, hearing the
shouts, came forth at early dawn, and all the plain
was filled with footmen and with horsemen and with
the gleam of bronze. Then Zeus, the thunderer,
brought on my men a cruel panic, and none dared
stand and face the foe. Danger encountered us on
every side. So the Egyptians slew many of our men
with the sharp sword, and carried others off alive to
work for them in bondage. But Zeus himself put in
my heart this plan. Would I had rather died, and met
my doom there by the stream of Egypt ! For since
that day sorrow has held me fast. Straightway I took
the well-made helmet from my head and shield from
off my shoulders, and flinging away my spear, I ran
to meet the horses of the king. I clasped and kissed
his knees ; he spared and pitied me, and seating me
in his chariot bore me weeping home. A multitude
with spears rushed after, intent on killing me, for they
were much enraged. He held them back, dreading
the wrath of Zeus, the stranger's friend, who ever
visits evil deeds with his displeasure. Here I stayed
seven years, and I amassed much wealth among the
Egyptians ; for they all gave me gifts. But when
the eighth revolving year was come, a certain Phoeni-
cian came, full of deceiving arts, a greedy knave, one
who had wrought much harm to men already. He
now prevailed upon me by his wiles, and took me with
him till we reached Phoenicia, where was his home
222 THE ODYSSEY. [XIV. 29ii-323.
and substance. Here at his house I stayed through-
out the year. But after days and months were spent,
as the year rolled and other seasons came, he set me
on a sea-bound ship sailing for Libya, falsely profess-
ing I should share his gains ; but purposing to sell me
there and reap a large reward. I followed him on
board, suspecting him, but helpless. And now the
ship sped on, with north wind fresh and fair, through
the mid sea past Crete, Zeus purposing our ruin.
" For when we had left Crete and no other land ap-
peared, but only sky and sea, the son of Kronos set a
dark cloud over the hollow ship, and the deep gloomed
below. Zeus at the same time thundered, hurling his
bolt against the ship. She quivered in every part,
struck by the bolt of Zeus, and filled with sulphur
smoke. Out of the ship my comrades fell, and then
like sea-fowl were borne by the side of the black ship
along the waves ; God cut them off from coming home.
But helping me, whose heart was filled with anguish,
Zeus put the long mast of the dark-bowed ship into
my hands, so that I might once more escape from
death. To this I clung and drifted before the deadly
winds. Nine days I drifted ; on the tenth, in the dark
night, the vast and rolling waters cast me on the coast
of the Thesprotians. Here the king of the Thespro-
tians, lord Pheidon, entertained me, and freely too ;
it was his son who found me, overcome with cold and
toil, and took me home, with his own hand supporting
me until we reached his father's palace. He gave
me also a coat and tunic for my clothing.
" Here, then, I heard about Odysseus ; for Pheidon
said he had him as his guest and friend upon his
homeward voyage. He showed me all the treasure
that Odysseus had obtained, the bronze and gold and
XIV. 324-357.] THE ODYSSEY. 223
well-wrought iron ; and really it would support man
after man ten generations long, so large a stock was
stored in the king's palace. Odysseus himself, he
said, was gone at that time to Dodona, to learn from
the sacred lofty oak the will of Zeus, and how he might
return, whether openly or by stealth, to the rich land
of Ithaca, when now so long awa}^ Moreover, in my
presence, as he offered a libation in his house, he
swore the ship was launched and sailors waiting to
brine: him home to his own native land. But he sent
me off before, for a ship of the Thesprotians happened
to be starting for the Doulichian grain-fields. He
bade her men conduct me carefully to king Acastus ;
but in their hearts a wicked scheme found favor, to
bring me yet once more into the depths of woe. For
when the sea-bound ship was far from shore, they
planned a life of slavery for me. They stripped me
of my clothes, my coat and tunic, and gave in-
stead the wretched frock and the tunic full of holes
which you yourself now see. Toward night they
reached the fields of far-seen Ithaca. Here with a
twisted rope they bound me fast upon the well-
benched ship, and disembarking they hastily took sup-
per on the shore. Meanwhile the gods themselves
lightly untied my cords ; and I, wrapping my frock
about my head and sliding down the slippery rudder,
brought my breast into the sea, where swimming hard
I oared my way with my two hands, and very soon
was out of the water, clear of them. Climbing the
bank where there were thickets of leafy trees, I laid
me down and hid. With loud cries ran the others
here and there ; but as there seemed no profit in any
further search, they entered their hollow ship once
more. So the gods with ease concealed me and
224 THE ODYSSEY. [XIV. 358-389.
brought me to this farm of a sagacious man ; because
it was my lot to live still longer."
Then, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him and
said : " Alas, poor stranger ! You have deeply stirred
my heart by telling me this tale of all jowc woes and
wanderings. Yet here I think you err : you never can
persuade me with talk about Odysseus. Why should
a man like you tell lies for nothing ? I understand
about my master's coming ; he has been hated utterly
by all the gods, who did not let him die among the
Trojans nor in the arms of friends when the skein
of war was wound. Then would the whole Achaean
host have made his grave, and for his son in after days
a great name had been gained. Now, silently the
robber winds have swept him off. I, meanwhile,
dwell apart among the swine. To the town I never
go, unless sometimes heedful Penelope commands my
going, when any tidings come. Ah, then the people '
sit around and closely question, some grieving for
their long-gone master, some glad to eat his substance
and make him no amends. But as for me, I have no
mind to search and question since an Aetolian fellow
cheated me with his tale. He killed a man, and wan-
dering far and wide came to my farmstead here, and
I received him kindly. He told me how in Crete he
saw Odysseus with Idomeneus, mending the ships
which storms had shattered. He said he would be
here by summer or by harvest, bringing a store of
wealth and all his gallant crew. You too, old woe-
worn man, now Heaven has brought you here, do not
by lying tales attempt to please or win me ; since out
of no such cause I show respect and kindness, but out
of reverence for Zeus the stranger's friend, and pity
for yourself."
XIV. 390-421.] THE ODYSSEY. 225
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said :
" Surely in jovl there is a heart so unbelieving that
by an oath I did not move it nor win you to be-
lieve. But let us make a covenant now, and for us
both hereafter our witnesses shall be the gods who
hold Olympus: if ever to this house your master
comes, clothe me in coat and tunic and send me to
Doulichion, where I desire to be. But if your mas-
ter does not come, as I declare he will, send out your
men and throw me down the lofty cliff, that other
beggars may beware of telling lying tales."
Then answering said the noble swineherd : " Stran-
ger, fine fame and fortune would be mine among
mankind, both now and evermore, if after I had
brought you to the lodge and given you welcome I
turned about and slew you and took away your life !
With a clear heart thereafter I should pray to Zeus,
the son of Kronos ! Well, it is supper-time ; and
may my comrades soon be here to get at the lodge a
savory supper ! "
So they conversed together. Presently came the
swine and those who kept them. They shut them up
to sleep in their accustomed sties, and a prodigious
noise arose from the penned swine. Then to his com-
rades called the noble swineherd : —
"Fetch me the best hog hither, to slaughter for
the stranger who comes from far away. We too
will have some cheer, who for a long time now
have plagued ourselves over the white-toothed swine.
Others devour our labor and make us no amends."
So saying, with the ruthless axe he cleft some wood.
The others brought a boar, well fatted, five years old,
and stood him on the hearth ; and now the swineherd,
being of upright heart, did not forget the immortal
226 THE ODYSSEY. [XIV. 422-453.
gods. At the beginning lie cast into tlie fire hairs
from the head of the white-toothed boar, and prayed
to all the gods that wise Odysseus might return to his
own home. Next raising high a billet of oak, saved
when he split the wood, he dealt a blow and the boar's
life departed. The others cut the throat and singed
the boar, and quickly laid him open. The swineherd
then put the raw meat, selected from each joint, into
rich fat. Some parts of this, sprinkled with barley
meal, they cast into the fire ; the rest they sliced and
stuck on spits, roasted with care, drew it all off, and
tossed it all together on the trenchers. And now the
swineherd rose to carve, — for well he knew his duties,
— and as he carved divided all in seven messes. The
first mess for the Nymphs and Hermes, Maia's son, he
set aside with prayer, passing the rest to each. Odys-
seus he honored with the whole length of the chine,
cut from the white-toothed boar, and so rejoiced his
master's heart. Addressing him, said wise Odysseus :
" Eumaeus, may you be as dear to father Zeus as
now to me, for honoring with kindness such as I."
And, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him and
said : " Good stranger, eat ; enjoy what lies before
you ! God gives and God withholds, as is his plea-
sure. His power is over all."
He spoke and burned the consecrated pieces to the
ever-living gods ; then pouring sparkling wine, he put
the cup into the hands of city-sacking Odysseus, and
took his seat by his own portion. Mesaulius passed
them bread, a man the swineherd had acquired after
his lord was gone, without assistance from the queen
or lord Laertes ; with his own means he bought him
of the Taphians. So on the food spread out before
them they laid hands. Then after they had stayed
XIV. 454-483.] THE ODYSSEY. ''2.21
desire for drink and food, Mesaulius took away the
bread; and so to sleep, sated with bread and meat,
they hastened.
And now the night came on, moonless and foul.
Zeus rained all night ; and strong the west wind blew,
a wet wind always. To his companions spoke Odys-
seus, making trial of the swineherd to see if he would
pull his own coat off and offer him, or order one of
the men to give a coat, through love of him.
" Hearken, Eumaeus, and all you other men, and I
will boast a bit and tell a story ; for crazy wine so
bids, which sets a man, even if wise, to singing loud
and laughing lightly, and makes him dance and brings
out stories really better left untold. But since I have
begun to croak, I '11 not be silent. Would I were in
my prime, my vigor firm, as in the days when we went
under Troy and set an ambush. Odysseus was our
captain, and Atreides Menelaus, and with them I was
third ; for so they ordered. Now when we reached
the city and the lofty wall, in the thick bushes by the
citadel, among some reeds and marsh-grass, curled up
beneath our armor, we laid us down to sleep. An
ugly night came on, although the north wind fell,
and bleak it was. From overhead came snow, like
hoar-frost, cold ; and ice formed on the edges of
our shields. Then all the other men had coats and
tunics, and slept in comfort with their shields snug
round their shoulders. But I at starting foolishly left
my coat with my companions, because I did not think
I should be cold at all ; so off I came with nothing
but my shield and colored doublet. But when it was
the third watch of the night and the stars crossed the
zenith, I spoke to Odysseus who was near, nudging
him with my elbow, and readily he listened :
228/ THE ODYSSEY. [XIV. 484-517.
" ' High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, I shall
not be among the living long. This cold is killing
me, because I have no coat. Some god beguiled me
into wearing nothing but my tunic. Now there is no
escape.'
" So said I, and he at once had an idea in mind, —
so ready was he both to plan and fight, — and speaking
in an undertone he said : ' Keep quiet for the present,
lest some other Achaean hear.'
" Then raising his head and resting on his elbow,
thus he spoke: ' Hark, friends ! A dream from heaven
came to me in my sleep. Yes, we have come a long-
way from the ships. Would there were some one here
to tell Atreides Agamemnon, the shej)herd of the peo-
ple, to send us more men hither from the fleet.'
" As he thus spoke, up Thoas sprung, Andraemon's
son, who, quickly casting off his purple coat, went run-
ning to the ships. I, in his garment, lay comfortably
down till gold-throned morning dawned.
" So would I now w^ere in my prime, my vigor firm ;
then one of the swineherds of the farm might give a
coat, through kindness and resjDcct for a deserving man.
Now they despise me for the sorry clothes I wear."
Then, swineherd Eum.aeus, you answered him and
said : " Old man, the boastings you have uttered are
not ill. You have not spoken an improper or a silly
word. Therefore you shall not lack for clothes nor
anything besides which it is fit a hard-pressed sup-
pliant should find, — at least for now ; to-morrow you
shall wrap yourself in your own rags. There are not
many coats and extra tunics here to wear, but sim-
ply one apiece. But when Odysseus' son returns, he
wiU give a coat and tunic for your clothing and send
you where your heart and soul may bid you go."
XIV. 518-533.] THE ODYSSEY. 229
So saying, he rose and placed a bed beside the
fire, and threw upon it skins of sheep and goats. On
this Odysseus laid him down, and over him Eumaeus
threw a great shaggy coat which lay at hand as extra
clothing, to put on when there came a bitter storm.
So here Odysseus slept, and by his side the young
men slept, but not the swineherd. A bed here pleased
him not, thus parted from his swine, but he prepared
to venture forth. Glad was Odysseus that Eumaeus
took such care of his estate while he was gone. And
first Eumaeus slung a sharp-edged sword about his
sturdy shoidders, put on his storm-proof shaggy coat,
picked up the fleece of a large full-grown goat, took a
sharp spear to keep off dogs and men, and went away
to rest where lay the white-toothed swine under a hol-
low rock, sheltered from Boreas.
XV.
TELEMACHUS AND EUMAEUS.
Now to spacious Lacedaemon went Pallas Athene
to seek the noble son of resolute Odysseus, wishing to
call his home to mind and bid him hasten. She found
Telemachus and the worthy son of Nestor lying within
the porch of famous Menelaus. The son of Nestor
was still wrapped in gentle sleep ; but to Telemachus
came no welcome sleep, for through the immortal
night thoughts in his heart about his father kept him
awake. So clear-eyed Athene, drawing near, addressed
him thus :
" Telemachus, it is not well to wander longer far
from home, leaving your wealth behind and persons
in your house so insolent as these ; for they may swal-
low all your wealth, sharing with one another, while
you are gone a fruitless journey. Nay, with all haste
urge Menelaus, good at the war-cry, to send you forth,
that you may find your blameless mother still at
home. Already her father and her brothers press
her to wed Eurymachus ; for he excels all suitors
in his gifts and overtops their dowry. But let her
not against your will take treasure from your home.
You know a woman's way : she strives to enrich his
house who marries her, while of her former children
and the husband of her youth when he is dead she
thinks not, and she talks of him no more. Go then
and put your household in the charge of her among
XV. 25-57.] THE ODYSSEY. 231
tlie rnaid^ who seems the best, until the gods grant
you an honored wife. And let me tell you more ; lay
it to heart ; by a deliberate plan the leaders of the
suitors now guard the strait twixt Ithaca and rugged
Samos, and seek to cut you off before you gain your
native land. Yet this I think shall never be ; rather
the earth shall cover some of the suitors who devour
your living. Still, keep your stanch ship off the islands
and sail both night and day ; and one of the immor-
tals who guards and keeps you safe shall send a favor-
ing breeze. When then you reach the nearest shore
of Ithaca, send forward to the city your ship and all
her crew, and go yourself before all else straight to
the swineherd, who is the keeper of 3^our swine and
ever loyal. There rest a night, but send the swine-
herd to the city to bear the news to heedful Penelope
how you are safe and how you have returned from
Pylos."
So saying, Athene passed away to high Olympus.
But from sweet sleep Telemachus waked Nestor's son,
touching him with his heel, and thus addressed him :
" Wake, Nestor's son, Peisistratus ! Bring out the
strong-hoofed horses and yoke them to the car, that
we may make our journey."
Then Nestor's son, Peisistratus, made answer :
" Telemachus, we cannot, eager for the journey though
we are, drive in the dusky night. It will be morning
soon. Wait then awhile until the royal son of Atreus,
the spearman Menelaus, brings his gifts, places them
in the chariot, and sends us forth with cheering
words upon our way. For a guest remembers all his
days the hospitable man who showed him kindness."
He spoke, and soon the gold-throned morning came ;
and Menelaus, good at the war-cry, now drew near,
232 THE ODYSSEY. [XV. 58-91.
just risen from bed by fair-haired Helen. When the
son of Odysseus spied him, in haste he girt his glossy
tunic round his body, and threw a great cloak round
his sturdy shoulders. So forth he went and drawing
near thus spoke Telemachus, the son of princely
Odysseus :
" Ο son of Atreus, heaven-descended Menelaus,
leader of hosts, now at last let me go to my own native
land ; for my heart longs for home."
Then answered Menelaus, good at the war-cry:
*' Telemachus, I will not keep you longer if you desire
to go. I blame a host if over-kind, or over-rude.
Better, good sense in all things. It is an equal fault
to thrust away the guest who does not care to go, and
to detain the impatient. Best make the stranger wel-
come while he stays, and speed him when he wishes.
But wait until I bring you gifts and place them in
your chariot, beautiful gifts, as you yourself shall see.
And let me bid the maids jirepare a meal here in the
hall from our abundant stores. It brings dignity and
honor and benefit besides to feast before joii travel
along the boundless earth. Then if you choose to
make a tour through Hellas and mid-Argos, so far I
wiU attend you ; for I will yoke my horses and guide
you through the towns. No one will send us empty
off, but each will give some single thing to bear away,
a brazen tripod, caldron, pair of mules or golden
goblet.*'
Then again answered him discreet Telemachus :
" Ο son of Atreus, heaven-descended Menelaus, leader
of hosts, at present I had rather go to m}^ own home,
for I left behind at starting no guardian of my goods ;
so while I seek my godlike father, I may myself be
lost, or else may lose out of my house some valued
treasure."
XV. 92-124.] THE ODYSSEY. 233
IVhen Menelaus, good at the war-cry, heard his
words, he straightway bade his wife and maids pre-
pare a meal there in the hall from his abundant
stores. And now the son of Boethotis, Eteoneus, en-
tered, just risen from his bed ; for he lived not far
away. Menelaus, good at the war-cry, told him to
light the fire and roast the meat ; and when he heard,
he did not disobey. Menelaus himself, meanwhile,
went down to a fragrant chamber ; yet not alone,
for Helen went and Megapenthes. And when they
came where lay his treasure, the son of Atreus took
a double cup and ordered Megapenthes to bring a
silver bowl, while Helen lingered by the chests where
were the embroidered robes which she herself had
wrought. Out of these robes the royal lady, Helen,
drew forth one to bear away, one handsomest in work
and largest, which sparkled like a star ; it lay be-
neath the others. Then forth they hastened through
the palace till they found Telemachus, whom light-
haired Menelaus thus addressed :
" Telemachus, as your heart hopes, may Zeus, the
thunderer, husband of Here, grant you a safe return I
And out of all the gifts stored in my house as treas-
ures, I will give you that which is most beautiful and
precious : I will give a well- wrought bowl. It is of
solid silver, its rim finished with gold, the work of
Hephaestus. Lord Phaedimus, the king of the Si-
donians, gave it to me, when his house sheltered me
upon my homeward way. And now to you I gladly
give it."
So saying, the lordly son of Atreus put in his hands
the double cup. Then the bright silver bowl strong
Megapenthes brought and set before him, while at his
side stood fair-cheeked Helen, holding the robe, and
thus she spoke and said :
234 THE ODYSSEY. [XV. 125-155.
" I too, dear child, will give a gift, this keepsake
from the hands of Helen against the wished-for wed-
ding time, for your wife then to wear. Meanwhile,
in your good mother's charge lay it away at home :
and may you with rejoicing reach your stately house
and native land."
So saying, she laid it in his hands; he took it
and was glad. Then lord Peisistratus put in the
chariot box the gifts as he received them, viewing
them all with wonder. Light-haired Menelaus led
them to the house, where they took seats on benches
and on chairs. Now water for the hands a servant
brought in a beautiful pitcher, made of gold, and
poured it out over a silver basin for their washing, and
spread a polished table by their side. And the grave
housekeeper brought bread and placed before them,
setting out food of many a kind, freely giving of her
store. The son of Boethous, too, carved meat and
passed them portions, and the son of famous Mene-
laus poured their wine : and on the food spread out
before them they laid hands. Then after they had
stayed desire for drink and food, Telemachus and
Nestor's gallant son harnessed the horses, mounted
the gay chariot, and off they drove from porch and
echoing portico. After them came the son of Atreus,
light-haired Menelaus, in his right hand a golden cup
of cheering wine, for them to pour at starting. He
stopped before the horses and pledging them he said :
" A health to you, young men ! And say the same
to Nestor, the shepherd of the people ; for he was kind
to me as any father those days we young Achaeans
were in the war at Troy."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Even
as you say, Ο heaven - descended prince, when we
XV. 156-184.] THE ODYSSEY. 235
arrive we will report all these your words. And
would that coming home to Ithaca, I there might find
Odysseus in my home, and so might say how after
meeting every kindness here with you I went my way
and carried many precious treasures with me ! "
On his right, as he was speaking, flew an eagle,
bearing in his claws a large white goose, a tame fowl
from the yard. People ran shouting after, men and
women. But as the bird drew near, he darted to the
right before the horses. All saw it and were glad,
and in their breasts their hearts grew warm. And
thus began Peisistratus, the son of Nestor :
" Think, heaven - descended Menelaus, leader of
hosts ! Is it we to whom God shows this sign, or is it
you?"
He spoke and valiant Menelaus pondered, doubting
what he should think and rightly answer. But long-
robed Helen, taking up the word, spoke thus :
" Hearken and I will prophesy such things as the im-
mortals bring to mind, things which I think will hap-
pen. As the eagle caught the goose, — she, fattened
in the house ; he, coming from the hills where he was
born and bred, — so shall Odysseus, through many
woes and wanderings, come home and take revenge.
Even now, perhaps, he is at home, sowing the seeds of
ill for aU the suitors."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " Zeus
grant it so, he the loud thunderer, husband of Here !
Then would I there too, as to any god, give thanks to
you."
He spoke and laid the lash upon the horses, and
very quickly they started toward the plain, hastening
through the city ; and all day long they shook the
yoke they bore between them.
236 THE ODYSSEY. [XV. 185-214.
Now the sun sank and all the ways grew dark;
and the men arrived at Pherae, before the house of
Diodes, the son of Orsilochus, whose father was Al-
pheius. There for the night they rested ; he gave them
entertainment. Then as the early rosy-fingered dawn
appeared, they harnessed the horses, mounted the gay
chariot, and off they drove from porch and echoing
portico. Telemachus cracked the whij) to start, and
not unwillingly the pair flew off, and by and by they
came to the steep citadel of Pylos. Then said Tele-
machus to Nestor's son :
" Ο son of Nestor, could you give and perform the
promise I shall ask ? Friends from of old we call
ourselves, because of our fathers' friendship. Besides,
we are alike in years, and this our journey will make
the tie more close. Do not then, heaven-descended
prince, take me beyond my ship, but leave me there ;
for fear old Nestor, eager for kindness, detain me at
his house against my will, when I should hasten on."
So he spoke, and the son of Nestor doubted within
his heart if he could rightly give and perform the
promise. Yet on reflecting thus, it seemed the better
way. He turned his horses toward the swift ship
and shore, took out and set by the ship's stern the
goodly gifts, — the clothing and the gold which Mene-
laus gave, — and hastening Telemachus, spoke thus in
winged words :
" Quickly embark and summon all your crew be-
fore I reach my home and tell old Nestor ; for in my
mind and heart full well I know how stern his temper
is. He will not let you go ; he will himself come here
and call you. 1 tell you, too, go back he will not
empty-handed ; for he will be very angry, notwith-
standing what you say."
XV. 215-245.] THE ODYSSEY. 237
So saying, he drove his full-maned horses to the
town of Pylos, and quickly reached the palace. But
Telemachus, inspiriting his crew, called to them thus :
" Put all the gear in order, friends, on the black ship ;
and come aboard yourselves and let us make our
journey."
So he spoke, and willingly they heeded and obeyed ;
quickly they came on board and took their places at
the pins.
With these things he was busied, and now by the
ship's stern was making j)rayers and offerings to
Athene, when up there came a wanderer, exiled from
Argos through having killed a man. He was a seer,
and of the lineage of Melampus. In former times Me-
lampus lived at Pylos, the mother-land of flocks, and
had a very wealthy home among the Pylians. Then
he went to a land of strangers and departed from his
country, flying from high-souled Neleus, lordliest of
living men, who for a full year held by force his
great possessions. He meanwhile in the halls of
Phylacus was kept in bitter bondage and suffered
great distress, because of the daughter of Neleus and
the delusion deep which the divine sharp-scourging
fury brought his mind. But he escaped his doom
and drove the bellowing oxen from Phylace to Pylos ;
and punishing matchless Neleus for his disgraceful
deed, he brought the maiden home to be his brother's
wife. So he came to a land of strangers, grazing
Argos, where afterwards he was to live, sovereign of"
many Argives. And here he took a wife and built a
high-roofed house, and he begot two sturdy sons, An-
tiphates and Mantius. Antiphates again begot brave
Oicles, and Oicles Amphiaraiis, the summoner of
hosts, whom Zeus the aegis-bearer and A polio tenderly
238 THE ODYSSEY. [XV. 246-277.
loved, and showed him every favor ; and yet he did
not reach the threshold of old age, but died at Thebes,
destroyed by woman's bribes. To him were born two
sons, Alcmaeon and Amphilochus. Now Mantius
begot Cleitus and Polypheides ; but gold - throned
dawn took Cleitus, by reason of his beauty, to dwell
with the immortals. Of eager Polypheides Apollo
made a seer, the best among mankind when Amphia-
raiis died. Quarrelling with his father, he withdrew
to Hyperesia ; and there he dwelt and prophesied for
all men.
It was his son drew near, named Theoclymenus,
and stood before Telemachus. He found him making
offerings and prayers beside the swift black ship : and
speaking in winged words he said :
" Friend, since I find you offering burnt-offerings
here, by these offerings and the god I will entreat
you, and by your own life too, and that of those who
follow: tell truly all I ask. Hold nothing back.
Who are you ? Of what people ? Where is your
town and kindred ? "
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Well,
stranger, I will plainly tell you all. By birth I am of
Ithaca. My father is Odysseus — if ever such there
were ! But long ago he died, a mournful death ; so
I, with men and a black ship, am come to gather
news of my long-absent father."
Then answered godlike Theoclymenus : " Like you,
I too am far from home, because I killed a kinsman.
He has many relatives and friends in grazing Argos,
and with the Achaeans their influence is large. To
shun the death and the dark doom which they would
deal, I flee ; for I must be a wanderer now from tribe
to tribe. Set me upon your ship, a fugitive and sup-
XV. 278-307.] THE ODYSSEY. 239
pliant. Let them not kill me ; for I know they will
pursue."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : "I shall
not thrust you forth from the trim ship against your
will. Nay, follow ! In our land you shall receive
what we can give."
So saying he took the brazen spear from Theocly-
menus and laid it on the deck of the curved ship. Te-
lemachus himself came on the sea-bound ship and sat
him in the stern, while by his side sat Theoclymenus.
The others loosed the cables. And now Telemachus,
inspiriting his men, bade them lay hold upon the tac-
kling, and they busily obeyed. Raising the pine-wood
mast, they set it in the hollow socket, binding it firm
with forestays, and tightened the white sail with
twisted ox-hide thongs. And a favorable wind clear-
eyed Athene sent, which swept with violence along the
sky, so that the scudding ship might swiftly make her
way through the salt ocean water. Thus on they ran,
past Crouni and the pleasant streams of Chalcis. The
sun was setting and the ways were growing dark as
the ship drew near to Pheae, driven by the breeze of
Zeus ; then on past sacred Elis where the Epeians rule.
From here Telemachus steered for the Pointed Isles,
uncertain if he should escape from death or fall a
prey.
Meanwhile at the lodge Odysseus and the noble
swineherd were eating supper, and with them supped
the others. And after they had stayed desire for
drink and food, thus spoke Odysseus, — making trial
of the swineherd, to see if he would longer give him
a hearty welcome and urge his staying at the farm, or
if he would send him straightway to the town :
" Hearken, Eumaeus and all you other men ! I
240 THE ODYSSEY. [XV. 308-342.
want to go to-morrow to beg about tlie town, for fear I
burden you and these your men. Only direct me
well, and give me a trusty guide to show the way. .
Once in the city, I must wander by myself, and
hope some man λυΙΙΙ give a cup and crust. And if I
come to the house of princely Odysseus, there I will
tell my tale to heedful Penelope and join the auda-
cious suitors, who might perhaps give me a meal;
since they have great abundance. Soon I could serve
them well in all they want. For let me tell you this,
and do you mark and listen : by favor of the Guide-
god, Hermes, who lends the grace and dignity to all
the deeds of men, in servants' work I have no equal,
— in laying a fire well, splitting dry wood, carving
and roasting meat, and pouring wine, — indeed, in all
the ways that poor men serve their betters."
Then deeply moved said you, swineherd Eumaeus ;
" Why, stranger, how came such a notion in your
mind ? You certainly must long to die that very in-
stant when you consent to plunge into the throng of
suitors, whose arrogance and outrage reach to the
iron heavens. Their servants are not such as you ;
but younger men, well dressed in coats and tunics,
ever with glossy heads and handsome faces, are they
who do them service. Their polished tables are laden
with bread and meat and wine. No, stay with us !
Nobody is disturbed that you are here, not I myself,
uor any one of these my men. And when Odysseus'
son returns, he will give a coat and tunic for your
clothing and send you where your heart and soul may
bid you go."
Then answered him long -tried royal Odysseus:
" May you, Eumaeus, be as dear to father Zeus as now
to me, for having stopped m,y wandering and saved
XV. a43-376.] THE ODYSSEY. 241
me bitter woe. Nothing is harder for a man than
restless roaming. 'T is for the cursed belly's sake that
men meet cruel ills when wandering, misfortune, and
distresses come. Yet while you keep me here, bidding
me wait your master, pray tell me of the mother of
princely Odysseus, and of his father, whom when he
went away he left behind on the threshold of old age.
Are they still living in the sunshine, or are they now
already dead and in the house of Hades ? "
Then said to him the swineherd, the overseer :
" AVell, stranger, I will plainly tell you all. Laertes
is still living, but ever prays to Zeus to let life leave
his limbs here at his home ; for he mourns exceedingly
his absent son and the early-wedded trusty wife whose
death distressed him sorely and brought him into pre-
mature old age. In sorrow for her famous son, she
pined away — a piteous death ! May none die so who
dwells with me, who is my friend and does me kind-
ness. While she still lived, much as she suffered,
pleasant it was to ask for her and make inquiries ; for
it was she who brought me up with long-robed Cti-
mene, her stately daughter, the youngest child she
bore. With her I was brought up and I was honored
little less. Then when we reached together the longed-
for days of youth, they sent Ctimene to Same and
obtained large wedding gifts, while me my lady dressed
in coat and tunic, goodly garments, and giving san-
dals for my feet she sent me to the farm ; yet in her
heart she loved me more and more. Now all that love
I lack, though the good gods bless all I undertake.
By work I get my meat and drink, and give to the
deserving, but from the queen I cannot win one cheer-
ing word or deed ; trouble has fallen on the house
through overbearing men. Yet servants long to speak
242 THE ODYSSEY. [XV. 377-408.
with their mistress face to face, from her to learn of
all, with her to eat and drink, and then take some-
thing also to the fields. Such things make servants'
hearts grow warm."
Then answering said wise Odysseus : " Swineherd
Eumaeus, certainly when you were small you must
have wandered far from home and kindred. Tell me
about it ; tell me plainly too. Was the wide-wayed
city of your people sacked, the city where your father
and honored mother dwelt ? Or when you were alone
among your sheep and cattle, did foemen take you on
their ships and bring you across the sea to the palace
of a man who paid a proper price ? "
Then said to him the swineherd, the overseer :
" Stranger, since now you ask of this and question
me, quietly listen ; take your ease, and sit and drink
your wine. These nights are vastly long. There is time
enough to sleep, and time to cheer ourselves with hear-
ing stories. You must not go to bed till bed-time ; too
much sleeping harms. As for the others here, if any-
body's heart and liking bids, let him go off and sleep ;
then early in the morning after eating, let him attend
his master's swine. But let us drink and feast within
the lodge and please ourselves with telling one an-
other tales of piteous ill ; for afterwards a man finds
pleasure in his pains, when he has suffered long and
wandered long. So I will tell you what you ask and
seek to know.
" There is an island, Syria it is called, — you may
have heard its name, — above Ortygia, where the sun's
course turns ; not very thickly settled, good however,
with excellent flocks and herds and full of corn and
wine. Into this land dearth never comes, nor any foul
disease attacks unhappy men ; but when the families
XV. 409-441.] THE ODYSSEY. 243
tbrougliout the town grow old, Apollo and Artemis
come with silver bow and slay them with their gentle
arrows. Here are two towns and all the land is
shared between them. Over them both my father
rnled, Ctesius, son of Ormenus, a man like the im-
mortals.
" Thither Phoenicians came, notable men at sea, but
greedy knaves, with countless trinkets in their black-
hulled ship. Now in my father's house lived a Phoe-
nician woman, handsome and tall and skilled in
dainty work ; and her the wily Phoenicians led astray.
In the first days, when she was washing clothes beside
the hollow ship, a man seduced her by love and kind-
ness ; for these things turn the heads of womankind,
even the upright too. Then he asked her who she
was and whence she came ; whereat she pointed
straightway to my father's high-roofed house.
" * I boast of being born in Sidon, rich in bronze,
and am the daughter of Arybas, a man of abounding
wealth. But Taphian pirates seized me as I wandered
through the fields, and brought me here across the
sea to the palace of a man who paid a proper price.'
" Then said the man who secretly seduced her : ' Re-
turn then hoQie again with us, to see your father's and
your mother's high-roofed house, and see them too ;
for they are living still and still accounted rich.'
" Then answered him the woman thus and said ;
' It may be, if you sailors pledge yourselves by oath
to take me home unharmed.'
" So she spoke, and they all took the oath which she
required. Then after they had sworn and ended all
their oath, once more the woman answered them and
said : ' Be quiet for the present ! Let none among
your crew utter a word to me, in meetings on the street
244 THE ODYSSEY. [XV. 442-476.
or at tlie well, or some one coming to the old king's
house may tell ; and he, if he understands, will bind
me in bitter bonds and plot your ruin. So bear in
mind my words, and press the purchase of your cargo ;
then when the ship is filled with freight, let a messen-
ger come quickly to the palace, and I will bring what-
ever gold I find at hand. Another kind of passage-
money I would gladly give. At home I tend a child,
— so bright a boy ! — who runs beside me out of
doors. Him I might bring on board, and he would
fetch a mighty sum from any foreign folk you visit.'
" So saying, she departed to the stately palace. And
they continued with us all the year, and by their trad-
ing gathered in their hollow ship large stores. But
when the hollow ship was freighted to set sail, they
sent a messenger to tell the woman. This crafty man
came to my father's house, bringing a golden necklace
strung with amber beads. The maids about the
house and my good mother kept fingering the chain,
and eying it, and offering a price. The man mean-
while signed to the woman silently, and having given
his sign departed to the hoUoAV ship. The woman,
then, taking me by the hand, led me off out of doors.
In the fore part of the house she found some cups
and tables, where people had been feasting who waited
on my father. They were now gone to a public
gathering and debate. Quickly she hid three gobletb
in her breast and bore them off. I innocently fol-
lowed. The sun was setting^ and the roads were o^row-
ing dark ; but we walked swiftly on and came to the
well-known harbor where the Phoenicians' sea-bound
ship was lying. Embarking there, the men set sail
upon their watery way, making us too embark. Zeus
sent us wind. Six days we sailed, as well by night as
XV. 477-508.] THE ODYSSEY. 245
day ; but when Zeus, the son of Kronos, brought the
seventh day round, the huntress Artemis struck down
the woman, and, like a sea-coot, in the hold she
dropped. They threw her overboard, a prey to seals
and fishes, and I was left behind with aching heart.
But wind and water bore us thence and brought us
here to Ithaca, and here Laertes bought me with his
substance. This is the way I came to see this land."
Then thus replied high-born Odysseus : " Eumaeus,
you have deeply stirred the heart within my breast,
telling these tales of all the troubles you have borne.
Yet side by side with evil Zeus surely gave you good,
since at the end of all your toils you reached the
house of a kind man who furnishes you food and
drink in plenty. A comfortable life you lead ; but I
come here a wanderer through many cities."
So they conversed together, then lay and slept a
little while, not long ; for soon came bright-throned
dawn.
Meantime, approaching shore, the comrades of Te-
lemachus slackened their sail, hastily lowered the
mast, and with their oars rowed the vessel to her
moorings. Here they cast anchor and made fast the
cables ; and going forth themselves upon the shore,
prepared their dinner and mixed the sparkling wine.
Then after they had stayed desire for food and drink,
discreet Telemachus thus began :
" Sail the black-hulled ship, my men, straight to the
town ; I go to the fields and herdsmen. At evening,
after looking at the farm, I too will come to town.
To-morrow I will make you payment for your voyage
by a bounteous feast of meat and pleasant wine."
Then up spoke godlike Theoclymenus : " Where
shall I go, my child? To whose house come, of all
246 THE ODYSSEY. [XV. 509-53δ.
the men who rule in rocky Ithaca? Or shall I go
directly to your mother's house and yours ? "
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " At any
other time I would bid you come to us, because we
have no lack of means of welcome. But for your-
self it would be somewhat dreary how. I shall be
gone, and my mother will not see you ; for she is
not often seen in the same room with the suitors, but
in an upper chamber far away she tends her loom.
But I will name another man to whom you well might
go : Eurymachus, the illustrious son of skillful Poly-
bus, whom nowadays the men of Ithaca look upon as
a god ; for he is certainly the chief man here. He
much desires to wed my mother and obtain the hon-
ors of Odysseus. Nevertheless, Olympian Zeus, who
dwells in the clear sky, knows whether before the
wedding he wiU set a day of ill."
Even as he spoke, upon his right there flew a bird,
a hawk, Apollo's speedy messenger. With his claws
he tore the dove he held and scattered down its fea-
thers to the ground, midway between the ship and
Telemachus himself. Then Theocly menus, calling
Telemachus aside from his companions, held fast his
hand and spoke and thus addressed him :
" Telemachus, not without God's warrant flew this
bird upon our right. I knew him at a glance to be
a bird of omen. There is no house in Ithaca more
kingly than your own ; and you shall always be the
rulers here."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Ah
stranger, would these words of yours might be ful-
filled ! Soon should you know my kindness and many
a gift from me, and every man you met would call
you blessed."
XV. o39-5o7.] THE ODYSSEY, 247
Then turning to Peiraeus, his good comrade : " Pei-
raeus, son of Clytius, you always do my bidding best
of all the men who followed me to Pylos ; so take
this stranger to your home and treat him kindly, and
show him honor till the time that I shall come."
Then answered him Peiraeus, the famous spearman :
" Telemachus, though you stay long, I still will enter-
tain him ; no lack of welcome shall there be."
So saying, Peiraeus went aboard the ship and called
the crew to come on board and loose the cables.
Quickly they came and took their places at the pins.
Telemachus bound to his feet his beautiful sandals
and took his ponderous spear, tipped with sharp
bronze, from the ship's deck. The sailors loosed the
cables and thrusting off the ship sailed to the town,
as they were ordered by Telemachus, the son of
princely Odysseus. But him, meanwhile, his feet
bore swiftly onward until he reached the court where
were the countless swine with whom the trusty swine-
herd lodged, still faithful to his master.
XVI.
THE RECOGNITION BY TELEMACHUS.
Meanwhile at the lodge Odysseus and the noble
swineherd prepared their breakfast in the early dawn,
before the lighted fire, having already sent the herds-
men with the droves of swine forth to the fields.
As Telemachus drew near, the dogs that love to bark
began to wag their tails, but did not bark. Royal
Odysseus noticed the dogs wagging their tails, and the
sound of footsteps reached him ; and straightway to
Eumaeus he spoke these winged words :
" Eumaeus, certainly a friend is coming, at least a
man you know ; for the dogs here do not bark, but
wag their tails, and I hear the tramp of feet."
The words were hardly uttered when his own son
stood in the doorway. In surprise up sprang the
swineherd, and from his hands the vessels fell with
which he had been busied, mixing sparkling wine.
He went to meet his master, and kissed his face, each
of his beautiful eyes, and both his hands, letting the
big tears fall. And as a loving father greets the son
who comes from foreign lands, ten years away, his
only child, now grown a man, for whom he long has
sorrowed ; even so the noble swineherd took princely
Telemachus in his arms and kissed him o'er and o'er,
as one escaped from death, and sobbing said to him
in winged words :
" So you are here, Telemachus, my own sweet light !
Χνΐ.23^6.] THE ODYSSEY. 249
I said I should not see you any more after you went
away by ship to Pylos. Come in then, child, and let
me cheer my heart with looking at you, just come from
far away. You do not often visit the farm and herds-
men. You tarry in the town ; for nowadays you want
to watch the wasteful throng of suitors."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " So be
it, father ! 'T is for ^^our sake I am here, to see you
with my eyes, and hear you tell if my mother still is
staying at the hall, or if at last some stranger won
her, and so Odysseus' bed, empty of occupants, stands
covered with foul cobwebs."
Then answered him the swineherd, the overseer;
" Indeed she stays with patient heart within your
hall, and wearily the nights and days are wasted with
her tears."
So saying, Eumaeus took Telemachus' brazen spear,
and Telemachus went in and over the stone threshold.
As he drew near, his father, Odysseus, yielded him
his seat ; but Telemachus on his part checked him,
saying :
" Be seated, stranger. Elsewhere we shall find a
seat at this our farm. Here is a man will give one."
He spoke, and his father turned and sat once more ;
but the swineherd threw green brushwood down and
on its top a fleece, on which the dear son of Odysseus
took his seat. And now the swineherd brought plat-
ters of roasted meat, which those who ate the day
before had left. Bustling about he heaped bread in
the baskets, and in an ivy bowl mixed honeyed wine,
then took a seat himself over against princely Odys-
seus, and on the food spread out before them they
laid hands. So after they had stayed desire for drink
and food, to the noble swineherd said Telemachus :
250 THE ODYSSEY. [XVI. 57-89.
" Father, whence came this stranger ? How did
his sailors bring him to Ithaca? Whom did they
call themselves ? For I am sure he did not come on
foot."
Then, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him and
said : " Well, I will tell you all the truth, my child.
He calls himself by birth of lowland Crete, but says
he has come to many cities in his wanderings ; so
Heaven ordained his lot. Lately he ran away from
a ship of the Thesprotians and came to my farm here.
I place him in your charge. Do what you will. He
calls himself your suppliant."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Eu-
maeus, truly these are bitter words which you have
said. How can I take a stranger home ? I am
myself but young and cannot trust my arm to right
me with the man who wrongs me first. Moreover my
mother's feeling wavers, whether to bide beside me
here and keep the house, and thus revere her hus-
band's bed and heed the public voice, or finally to
follow some chief of the Achaeans who woos her in
the hall with largest gifts. However, since the stranger
has reached your lodging here, I will clothe him in
a coat and tunic, goodly garments, give him a two-
edged sword and sandals for his feet, and I will send
him where his heart and soul may bid him go. Or,
if you like, serve him yourself and keep him at the
farm ; and I will send him clothing and all his food to
eat, so that he may not burden you and yours. Yon-
der among the suitors I would not have him go ; for
they are full of wanton pride. So they might mock
him, — a cruel grief to me. Hard is it even for a
powerful man to act against a crowd ; because to-
gether they are far too strong."
XVI. 90-125.] THE ODYSSEY. 251
Then said to him long - tried royal Odysseus:
" Friend, — for surely I too have a right to answer,
— my heart is sore at hearing what you say, that suit-
ors work abomination at the palace against a man
like you. But tell me, do you willingly submit, or
are the people of your land adverse to you, led by
some voice of God ? Or have you any cause to blame
your brothers, on whom a man relies for aid when
bitter strifes arise ? Would that, to match my spirit,
I were young as you, and were the son of good
Odysseus, or even Odysseus' self, come from his wan-
derings, as there still is room for hope ; then quickly
should my foe strike off my head, or I would prove
the bane of all these suitors when I should cross the
hall of Laertes' son Odysseus. And should they by
their number crush me, all single and alone, far
rather would I die, cut down within my hall, than
constantly behold disgraceful deeds, strangers abused,
and damsels dragged to shame through the fair pal-
ace, wine running waste, men eating up my bread, all
idly, uselessly, to win what cannot be ! "
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Well,
stranger, I will plainly tell you all. My people as a
whole bear me no grudge or hate ; nor yet can I blame
brothers, on whom a man relies for aid when bitter
strifes arise ; for the son of Kronos made our race
run in a single line. Arceisius begot a single son
Laertes ; and he, the single son Odysseus ; Odysseus left
me here at home, the single son of his begetting, and
of me had no joy. But bands of evil-minded men
now fill my house ; for all the nobles who bear sway
among the islands — Doulichion, Same, and woody
Zacynthus — and they who have the power in rocky
Ithaca, all woo my mother and despoil my home.
252 THE ODYSSEY. [XVI. 126-159.
She neither declines the hated suit nor has she power
to end it, while they with feasting impoverish my
home and soon will bring me also to destruction.
However, in the lap of the gods these matters lie.
But, father, quickly go and say to steadfast Penelope
that I am safe and have returned from Pylos. I will
stay here ; do you come hither too ; and tell your tid-
ings to her only. Let none of the rest of the Achae-
ans hear ; for many are they that plot against me."
Then, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him and
said : " I see, I understand ; you speak to one who
knows. But now declare me this and plainly say, shall
I go tell Laertes on my way, wretched Laertes, who for
a time, though grieving greatly for Odysseus, still
oversaw his fields and with his men at home would
drink and eat as appetite inclined ; but from the day
you went by ship to Pylos did never eat nor drink the
same, they say, nor oversaw his fields, but full of
moans and sighs sits sorrowing, while the flesh wastes
upon his bones."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " 'T is
hard, but though it grieves us, we will let him be ; if
all that men desire were in their power, the first thing
we should choose would be the coming of my father.
No, give your message and return, and do not wander
through the fields to find Laertes. But tell my mother
to send forthwith her housemaid thither, yet privately ;
for to the old man she might bear the news."
So saying, he dispatched the swineherd, who took
his sandals, bound them to his feet, and went to town.
Yet not unnoticed by Athene swineherd Eumaeus left
the farm ; but she herself drew near in likeness of
a woman, one fair and tall and skilled in dainty
work. By the lodge door she stood, visible to Odys-
XVI. 160-191.] THE ODYSSEY. ' 253
seus. Telemachus did not glance her way nor notice
her ; for not to every one do gods appear. Odysseus
saw her, and the dogs ; yet the dogs did not bark, but
whining skink away across the place. With her brows
she made a sign ; royal Odysseus understood, came
forth from the hall past the great courtyard wall, and
stood before her, and Athene said :
" High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, tell
now your story to your son. Hide it no longer. Then
ha\dng planned the suitors' death and doom, go for-
ward both of you into the famous city. And I my-
self will not be far away, for I am eager for the com-
bat."
She spoke and with a golden wand Athene touched
Odysseus. And first she laid a spotless robe and tunic
on his body, and then increased his bulk and bloom.
Again he grew dark-hued ; his cheeks were rounded,
and dark the beard became about his chin. This
done, she went away ; and now Odysseus entered the
lodge. His son was awe-struck and reverently turned
his eyes aside, fearing it was a god. Then speaking
in winged words he said :
" Stranger, you seem a different person now and a
while ago. Your clothes are different and your flesh
is not the same. You surely are one of the gods who
hold the open sky. Nay, then, be gracious ! So will
we give you grateful offerings and fine-wrought gifts
of gold. Have mercy on us ! ''
Then long-tried royal Odysseus answered : "I am
no god. Why liken me to the immortals ? I am
your father, him for whom you sighed and suffered
long, enduring outrage at the hands of men."
So saying, he kissed his son and down his cheeks
upon the ground let fall a tear, which always hitherto
254 THE ODYSSEY. [XVI. 192-224.
he sternly had suppressed. But Telemachus — for he
did not yet believe it was his father, — finding his
words once more made answer thus :
" No, you are not Odysseus, not my father ! Some
god beguiles me, to make me weep and sorrow more.
No mortal man by his own wit could work such won-
ders, unless a god came to his aid and by his will made
him with ease a young man or an old. For lately you
were old and meanly clad ; now you are like the gods
who hold the open sky."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Te-
lemachus, it is not right when here your father stands,
to marvel overmuch and to be so amazed. Be sure no
other Odysseus ever will appear ; but as you see me,
it is I, I who have suffered long and wandered long,
and now in the twentieth year come to my native
land. This is the work of the Plunderer, Athene,
who makes me what she will, — for she has power,
— now like a beggar, now again a youth in fair attire.
■^^ Easily can the gods who hold the open sky give glory
to a mortal man or give him shame."
So saying, he sat down ; whereat Telemachus,
throwing his arms round his good father, began to
sob and pour forth tears, and in them both arose a
longing of lament. Loud were their cries and more
unceasing than those of birds, ospreys or crook-clawed
vultures, when farmers take away their young before
the wings are grown : so pitifully fell the tears be-
neath their brows. And daylight had gone doAvn
upon their weeping, had not Telemachus suddenly
addressed his father thus :
" Why, father, by what ship did sailors bring you
to Ithaca ? Whom did they call themselves ? For I
am sure you did not come on foot."
XVI. 225-259.] THE ODYSSEY. 255
Then said to him long-tried royal Odysseus : " AYell,
I will tell you, child, the very truth. The Phaeacians
brought me here, notable men at sea, who pilot others
too who come their way. They brought me across the
sea on a swift ship asleep, landed me here in Ithaca
and gave me glorious gifts, much bronze and gold
and woven stuff ; which treasures by the gods' com-
mand are laid away in caves. Here I now am by
bidding of Athene, that we may plan together the
slaughter of our foes. Come tell me then the num-
ber of the suitors, that I may know how many and
what sort of men they are ; and so, weighing the
matter in my gallant heart, I may decide if we can
meet them quite alone, without allies, or whether we
shall seek the aid of others."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Verily,
father, I have ever heard your great renown, what a
warrior you are in arm and what a sage in council.
But now you speak of something far too vast ; I am
astonished. Two could not fight a troop of valiant
men. The suitors number no mere ten, nor twice ten
either ; many more. You shall soon learn their num-
ber. From Doulichion, two and fifty chosen youths
and six attendants ; four and twenty men from Same ;
from Zacynthus twenty young Achaeans ; twelve out
of Ithaca itself, all men of mark, with whom are also
the page Medon and the sacred bard, besides two fol-
lowers skilled in table service. If we confront all
these within the hall, bitter and grievous may the
vengeance be, gained by your coming. So if you pos-
sibly can think of aid, consider who will aid us now
whole-heartedly . ' '
Then said to him long-tried royal Odysseus : "Nay,
let me speak, and do you mark and listen. Consider
256 THE ODYSSEY. [XVI. 260-294.
if Athene, joined with father Zeus, suffice for us, or
shall I seek for other aid ? "
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Excel-
lent helpers are the two you name, who sit among the
*<^ clouds on high. All else they govern, all mankind
and the immortal gods."
Then said to him long-tried royal Odysseus : " Not
long will they be absent from the mighty fray when
in my hall betwixt the suitors and ourselves the tug
of war is tried. But go at early morning straightway
home, and join the audacious suitors. Thereafter
the swineherd shall bring me to the city, like an old
and wretched beggar. And if they treat me rudely
in my home, let the faithful heart within your breast
endure what I must bear ; yes, though they drag me
through the palace by the heels and out of door, or
hurl their missiles at me, see and be patient still. Bid
them, however, cease their folly, and with gentle
words dissuade. They will not heed you, for their
day of doom draws near. But this I will say farther ;
mark it well. When wise Athene puts it in my mind,
then I will nod my head, and you take note. And all the
fighting gear that lies about the hall do you collect and
lay in a corner of the lofty chamber, carefully, every
piece. Then with soft words beguile the suitors when
they, because they miss it, question you : ' I put it by
out of the smoke, for it looks no longer like the ar-
mor which Odysseus left behind when he went away
to Troy; it is all tarnished, where the scent of fire
has come nigh. Besides, the son of Kronos brought
this graver fear to mind. You might when full of
wine begin a quarrel and give each other wounds,
making a scandal of the feast and of your wooing.
Steel itself draws men on.' Yet privily reserve two
XVI. 295-330. J THE ODYSSEY. 257
swords, two spears, two leathern shields, for us to
seize — to rush and seize. And thereuj^on shall Pal-
las Athene and all- wise Zeus confound the suitors.
Nay, this I will say farther ; mark it well. If you
are truly mine, my very blood, then that Odysseus
now is here let no man know ; let not Laertes learn
it, let not the swineherd, let none of the household,
nor Penelope herself. But you and I alone will test
the temper of the women. And we might also try
the serving-men, and see who honors and respects us
in his heart, and who neglects and scorns a man like
you."
Then answered him his noble son and said : " My
father, you shall know my heart, believe me, by and
by. No laggard thoughts are mine ; and yet I think
your plan will prove for neither of us gain, and so I
say : Consider ! Long will you vainly go, trying the
different men among the farms ; while undisturbed
within the hall these waste your wealth with reckless-
ness and do not spare. But I advise your finding out
the women, and learning who dishonor you and who
are guiltless. As to the men about the place, I would
not prove them. Let that at any rate be thought of
later, when you are really sure of signs from aegis-
bearing Zeus."
So they conversed together. But in the mean while
on to Ithaca ran the stanch ship which brought Te-
lemachus and all his crew from Pylos. When they
had entered the deep harbor, they hauled the black-
hulled ship ashore, and stately squires carried their
armor and straightway bore the goodly gifts to Cly-
tius' house. And now they sent a page to the palace
of Odysseus, to tell the news to heedful Penelope, —
bow Telemachus was at the farm, but had ordered that
258 THE ODYSSEY. [XVI. 331-360•
the sliij) sail to the city — lest the stately queen should
be alarmed and shed a tender tear. So the two met,
the herald and the noble swineherd, while on the seK-
same errand, bearing tidings to the queen. And when
they reached the palace of the noble king, the page
said to Penelope in hearing of her maids : " Ο queen,
your son has come from Pylos." But the swineherd
stood beside Penelope and so reported all that her
dear son had bade him say. Then when he had de-
livered all his charge, he departed to his swine, and
left the court and hall.
But the suitors grew dismayed and downcast in
their hearts, and came forth from the hall past the
great courtyard wall and there before the gate sat
down to council ; and first Eurymachus, the son of
Polybus, addressed them :
" Friends, here is a monstrous action impudently
brought to pass, this journey of Telemachus. We
said it should not be. Come, then, and let us launch
the best black ship we have, and get together fisher-
men for rowers, quickly to carry tidings to our friends,
and bid them sail for home with all the speed they
may."
The words were hardly uttered when Amphinomus,
turning in his place, sighted the ship in the deep har-
bor, some of her crew furling the sail and some with
oars in hand. Then lightly laughing, thus he called
to his companions :
" No need to send a message now, for here they are.
Some god has told the story ; or else they saw the ves-
sel pass and could not catch her."
He spoke, and all arose and hastened to the shore.
Swiftly the black-hulled ship was hauled ashore, and
stately squires carried their armor. The men them-
XVI. 361-393.] THE ODYSSEY. 259
selves went in a body to the assembly and suffered no
one, either young or old, to join them there ; and thus
Antinoiis, Eupeithes' son, addressed them :
" Strange, how the gods help this man out of dan- ^
ger ! By day our sentries sat upon the windy heights,
posted in close succession ; and after sunset, we did
not pass the night ashore, but sailed our swift ship on
the sea, awaiting sacred dawn, lying in wait to seize
and slay Telemachus. Meantime some god has brought
him home. Then let us here contrive a miserable
ending for Telemachus, not letting him escape ; for
while he lives, nothing, be sure, will prosper. He
is himself shrewd in his thoughts and plans, and peo-
ple here proffer us no more aid. Come then, be-
fore he gathers the Achaeans in a council. Back-
ward he will not be, I know. He will be full of
Avrath, and rising he will tell to all how we contrived
his instant death but could not catch him. And
when men hear our evil deeds, they will not praise
them ; but they may cause us trouble and drive us
from our country, and we may have to go away into
the land of strangers. Let us be quick, then, and
seize him in the fields far from the city, or on the
road at least ; and let us take possession of his sub-
stance and his wealth, sharing all suitably among our-
selves ; the house, however, we might let his mother
keep, or him who marries her. If this plan does not
please you, and you will let him live to hold his
father's fortune, then let us not devour his store of
pleasant things by gathering here ; but from his own
abode let each man make his wooing, and press his
suit with gifts. So may Penelope marry the man who
gives her most and comes with fate to favor."
As he thus spoke, the rest were hushed to silence.
260 THE ODYSSEY. [XVI. 394-424.
But Amphinomus addressed them now and said —
Amphinomus, the illustrious son of noble Nisus and
grandson of Aretias, who from Doulichion, rich in
wheat and grass, had led a band of suitors, and more
than all the rest found favor with Penelope through
what he said, because his heart was upright — he with
good will addressed them thus and said :
" Nay, friends, I would not like to kill Telemachus.
It is a fearful thing to kill a king. Let us at least
first ask the gods for counsel ; and if the oracles of
mighty Zeus approve, I will myself share in the kill-
ing and urge the others too ; but if the gods turn from
us, I warn you to forbear."
So said Amphinomus, and his saying pleased them.
Soon they arose and entered the hall of Odysseus, and
went and took their seats on polished chairs.
Heedful Penelope, meanwhile, had planned anew to
show herself among the suitors, overweening in their
pride. Within the palace she learned of the intended
murder of her son, for the page Medon told her, who
overheard the plot ; so to the hall she went with her
attendant women. And when the royal lady reached
the suitors, she stood beside a column of the strong-
built roof, holding before her face her delicate wim-
ple ; and she rebuked Antinotis and spoke to him and
said:
" Antinoiis, full of all insolence and wicked guile,
in Ithaca they say you are the foremost person of your
years in judgment and in speech. But such you never
were. Madman ! Why do you seek the death and
ruin of Telemachus, and pay no heed to suppliants,
though Zeus be witness for them ? 'T is impious plot-
ting crimes against one's fellow men. Do you not
know your father once took refuge here, in terror of
XVI. 425-459.] THE ODYSSEY. 261
the people ? For they were very angry because he
joined with Taphian pirates and troubled the Thespro-
tians, men who were our allies. So the people would
destroy him, — would snatch his life away, and swal-
low all his large and pleasant living ; but Odysseus
held them back and stayed their madness. Yet you
insultingly devour his house ; you woo his wife, mur-
der his child, and make me wholly wretched. For-
bear, I charge you, and bid the rest forbear ! "
Then answered her Eurymachus, the son of Poly-
bus : " Daughter of Icarius, heedful Penelope ; be of
good courage ! Let not these things vex your mind !
The man is not alive, and never will be born, who
shall lay hands upon your son, Telemachus, so long as
I have life and sight on earth. For this I tell you,
and it shall be done : soon the dark blood of such a
man shall flow around my spear. Many a time the
spoiler of towns, Odysseus, has set me on his knee,
put roasted meat into my hands and given me ruddy
wine. Therefore I hold Telemachus dearest of all
mankind. I bid him have no fear of death, at least
not from the suitors. Death from the gods can no
man shun."
So he spoke, cheering her, yet was himself plotting
the murder. But she, going to her bright upper cham-
ber, bewailed Odysseus, her dear husband, till on her
lids clear-eyed Athene caused a sweet sleep to fall. ^
At evening the noble swineherd joined Odysseus
and his son. Busily they prepared their supper, hav-
ing killed a yearling pig. And Athene, drawing
near, touched with her wand Laertes' son, Odysseus,
and made him old once more and clad him in mean
clothes; for fear the swineherd looking in his face
might know, and go and tell the tale to steadfast
Penelope, not holding fast the secret in his heart.
262 THE ODYSSEY. [XVI. 460-481.
Now Telemaclius first addressed tlie swineherd, say-
ing : " So you are come, noble Eumaeus. What news
then in the town ? Are the haughty suitors at home
again after their ambuscade, or are they watching still
for me to pass ? "
Then, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him and
said : " I had no mind to search and question while
stumbling through the town. My inclination bade
me to tell my message with all speed and hasten home.
There overtook me, though, an eager newsman of
your crew, a page, who told his story to your mother
first. Moreover, this I know, because I saw it : I was
already on the road above the town, where stands the
hill of Hermes, when I saw a swift ship entering our
harbor. A crowd of men were on her. Heavy she
was with shields and double-pointed spears. 'T was
they, I thought, and yet I do not know."
As he thus spoke, revered Telemachus smiled, and
glancing at his father shunned the swineherd's eye.
Now ceasing from their labor of laying out the
meal, they fell to feasting. There was no lack of ap-
petite for the impartial feast. And after they had
stayed desire for drink and food, they turned toward
bed and took the gift of sleep.
χνπ.
THE RETURN OF TELEMACHUS TO ITHACA.
Soon as the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared,
Telemachus, the son of princely Odysseus, bound to
his feet his goodly sandals, took the ponderous spear
which fitted well his hand, and setting off to town,
addressed his swineherd thus :
" Father, I go to the city to let my mother see me ;
for I know she will not cease from gloomy grief and
crying until she sees my very self. This charge I lay
on you : bring the poor stranger to the city, to beg his
living there ; and whosoever will shall give a cup and
crust. I cannot put up all ; my heart is full of trou-
ble. And if the stranger chafes at this, so much the
worse for him. I like to speak the truth."
But wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Friend,
I do not care to tarry here. Better a beggar should
beg his living in the town than in the fields ; and he
who will may give ; for I am now too old to stay about
a farm and answer all the orders of an overseer. Go
then your way ; this man shall be my guide, even
as you bid, when I have warmed me at the fire and
when the sunshine comes. The clothes I wear are
miserably bad, and the early frost may harm me ; the
town is far, they say."
He spoke, and through the farm-stead passed Tele-
machus, mo\dng with rapid stride and somng seeds
of evil for the suitors. And when he reached his
264 THE ODYSSEY. [XVII. 27-62.
stately dwelling, he took his spear and set it up by a
tall pillar, while he himself went farther in and over
the stone threshold.
His nurse was first to see him, Eurycleia, now busy
spreading fleeces on the carven chairs. With a
burst of tears she came straight forward ; and other
maids of hardy Odysseus gathered round and fondly
kissed his face and neck. Then from her chamber
came heedful Penelope, like Artemis or golden Aphro-
dite. Round her dear son, weeping, she threw her
arms, and kissed his face and both his beauteous eyes,
and sobbing said to him in winged words :
" So you are come, Telemachus, my own sweet
light ! I said I should not see you any more after
you went away by ship to Pylos, so secretly, with no
consent of mine, to hear about your father. Come
then and tell me all you chanced to see."
But wise Telemachus made answer : " My mother,
do not stir my tears nor move my heart within, for I
am only now escaped from utter ruin. But bathe, and
putting on fresh garments, go to your upper chamber
with your maids, and vow to pay full hecatombs to all
the gods if Zeus some day will grant us deeds of ven-
geance. But I will go to the market-place to call a
stranger who joined me on my journey here from
Pylos. I sent him forward with my gallant crew and
bade Peiraeus take him home and entertain him well
and give him honor till the time that I should come."
Such were his words ; unwinged, they rested with
her. Bathing, and putting on fresh garments, she
vowed to all the gods to pay full hecatombs if Zeus
some day would grant her deeds of vengeance.
Presently through the hall forth went Telemachus,
his spear in hand, two swift dogs following after ; and
XVII. 63-95.] THE ODYSSEY. 265
marvelous was the grace Athene cast about him, that
all the people gazed as he drew near. And round him
flocked the haughty suitors, kind in their talk but in
their hearts brooding on evil. He turned aside from
the great company of these and off where Mentor
sat with Antiphus and Halitherses, who were of old
his father's friends, he went and sat him down ; and
much they questioned. Peiraeus, the famous spear-
man, now drew near, leading the stranger through the
city to the market-place. Not long then from his
guest delayed Telemachus, but came to meet him;
though Peiraeus was the first to speak and say :
" Telemachus, quickly send women to my house,
and let me send to you what Menelaus gave."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Peiraeus,
as yet we do not know how matters here will be.
Suppose the haughty suitors at the palace should slay
me privily and share my father's goods, I had rather
you yourself should keep and enjoy the gifts than
any one of these. But if I sow for these men death
and doom, when I am merry merrily fetch all here."
So saying, he led the way-worn stranger home.
And entering the stately buildings, they threw their
coats upon the couches and the chairs, and went to the
polished baths and bathed. And when the maids had
bathed them and anointed them with oil, and put
upon them fleecy coats and tunics, out of the baths
they came and sat upon the couches. And water for
the hands a servant brought in a beautiful pitcher
made of gold, and poured it out over a silver basin
for their washing, and spread a polished table by
their side. Then the grave housekeeper brought
bread and placed before them, setting out food of
many a kind, freely giving of her store. The mother
266 THE ODYSSEY. [XVII. 96-133.
of Telemaclius sat on the farther side, by a cokimn of
the hall, resting upon a couch, spinning fine threads
of yarn. So on the food spread out before them they
laid hands. And after they had stayed desire for
drink and food, then thus began heedful Penelope :
" Telemachus, I go to my upper chamber and lay
me on my bed, — which has become for me a bed of
sorrows, ever watered with my tears since Odysseus
went away to Ilios with the Atreidae, — because you
did not deign before the haughty suitors entered,
plainly to tell what tidings you have heard about your
father's coming."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " Nay,
mother, I will tell you all the truth. We went to
Pylos, to Nestor, the shepherd of the people. And
he, receiving me within his lofty palace, gave me such
hearty welcome as a father gives his child when lately
come from far, after long time away ; so heartily he
entertained me, he and his noble sons. Of hardy
Odysseus, he said he had not heard from any man on
earth, if he were alive or dead. But with horses and
a strong-built chariot he sent me to the son of Atreus,
to the spearman Menelaus. There I saw Argive
Helen, her in behalf of whom Argives and Trojans
bore so much at the gods' bidding. And Menelaus,
good at the war-cry, soon asked me on what errand I
came to royal Lacedaemon. I told him all the truth.
And then he answered thus and said to me : ' Hea-
vens! In a very brave man's bed they sought to lie,
the weaklings ! As when in the den of a strong lion
a hind has laid asleep her new-born sucking fawns,
then roams the slopes and grassy hollows seeking food,
and by and by into his lair the lion comes and on both
hind and fawns brings ghastly doom ; so shall Odys-
XVII. 131-163.] THE ODYSSEY. 267
seus bring a ghastly doom on these. Ah father Zeus,
Athene, and Apollo ! if with the power he showed one
day in stately Lesbos, when he rose and wrestled in a
match with Philomeleides, and down he threw him
heavily while the Achaeans all rejoiced, — if as he
was that day Odysseus now might meet the suitors,
they all would find quick turns of fate and bitter
rites of marriage. But as to what you ask thus
urgently, I wiU not turn to talk of other things and
so deceive you ; but what the unerring old man of
the sea told me, in not a word will I disguise or hide
from you. He said he saw Odysseus on an island, in
great distress, at the hall of the nymph Calypso, who
holds him there by force. No power has he to reach
his native land, for he has no ships fitted with oars,
nor crews to bear him over the broad ocean-ridges.'
So said the son of Atreus, the spearman Menelaus.
And this accomplished, back I sailed ; the gods gave
breezes and brought me swiftly to my native land."
So he spoke, and stirred the heart within her breast.
But god-like Theoclymenus addressed them thus ; " Ο
honored wife of Laertes' son Odysseus, certainly Me-
nelaus did not know the truth. Listen instead to
words of mine ; for I will plainly prophesy and not
conceal. First then of all the gods be witness Zeus,
and let this hospitable table and the hearth of good
Odysseus whereto I come be witness ; Odysseus is al-
ready within his native land, — biding his time or
moving, — and, understanding all these wicked deeds,
is sowing seeds of ill for all the suitors. As proof,
while on the well-benched ship I marked a bird of
omen, and I announced it to Telemachus."
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " Ah stranger,
would these words of yours might be fulfilled ! Soon
268 THE ODYSSEY. [XVII. 164-196.
should you know my kindness and many a gift from
me, and every man you met woukl call you blessed."
So they conversed together. Meanwhile before the
palace of Odysseus the suitors were making merry,
throwing the discus and the hunting-spear upon the
level pavement, holding riot as of old. But now when
it was dinner-time, and from the fields around the
flocks returned, — the shepherds leading who were
wont to lead, — then Medon spoke ; a man most loved
of all the pages, one who was ever present at their
feasts :
" Now, lads, since all your hearts are cheered vrith
sports, come to the house and let us lay the table.
One's dinner at the proper time is no bad thing."
He spoke, and up they sprang and went to heed his
words. And entering the stately buildings, they threw
their coats upon the couches and chairs, and they be-
gan to kill great sheep and fatted goats, to kill sleek
pigs and the heifer of the herd, and so to make their
meal.
Meanwhile at the farm Odysseus and the noble
swineherd were making ready to depart to town. And
thus began the swineherd, the overseer : " Stranger,
so you desire to go to town to-day, just as my master
ordered, though I myself would rather leave you as a
watchman for the farm ; but of him I stand in fear
and awe, lest he hereafter chide me. Hard is a mas-
ter's censure. Come then and let us go. The day is
passing. It will be colder by and by toward night."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " I
see, I understand ; you speak to one who knows. Let
us go on, and all the way be you my guide. But give
me a stick, if you have one cut, to lean upon ; for
you said the road was very rough."
XVII. 197-229.] THE ODYSSEY. 269
He spoke, and round his shoulders slung his misera-
ble wallet, full of holes, which hung upon a cord.
Eumaeus gave the staff desired, and so the two set
forth ; but dogs and herdsmen stayed behind to keep
the farm. On to the town Eumaeus led his lord, like
an old and wretched beggar, leaning upon a staff.
Upon his back were miserable clothes.
Now as they walked along the rugged road, near-
ing the city, they reached a stone-built fountain, run-
ning clear, from which the towns -folk draw their
water, a fountain made by Ithacus, by Neritus and
Polyctor. There was a grove of stream-fed poplars,
encircling it, and from the rock above ran the cool
water, while at the top was built an altar to the
nymphs, where all who passed made offerings. Here
the son of Dolius, Melantheus, met them, driving the
goats that were the best of all the flock, to make the
suitors' dinner. Two herdsmen followed after. See-
ing Eumaeus and Odysseus, he broke into abuse ; and
speaking to them, used rude and indecent words, which
stirred Odysseus' blood :
" Now sure enough the vile man leads the vile !
As ever, god brings like and like together ! Where
are you carrying that glutton, you good-for-nothing
swineherd, that nasty beggar to make mischief at
our feasts ? A man to stand and rub his back on
many doors and tease for scraps of food, but not for
swords and caldrons. If you would let me have him
for a watchman at my farm, to be a stable-cleaner
and fetch fodder to the kids, he might by drinking
whey grow a big thigh. But no ! For he has learned
bad ways and will not turn to work. He will prefer
to beg about the town, teasing for stuff to feed his
greedy maw. But this I tell you, and it shall be
270 THE ODYSSEY. [XVII. 230-259.
done : if he comes near the house of princely Odys-
seus, many a footstool from men's hands flying around
his head his ribs shall rub, as he is knocked about the
house."
He spoke, and as he passed recklessly kicked Odys-
seus on the hip, but did not force him from the
pathway. Fixed he stood. Odysseus doubted whether
to spring and with his cudgel take his life, or to lift
him in the air and dash his head upon the ground.
But he was patient, and by thought restrained him-
self. And now the swineherd, looking him in the
face, rebuked the man and stretching forth his hands
prayed thus aloud :
" Nymphs of the fountain, daughters of Zeus, if ever
Odysseus burned on thy altars thighs of lambs and
kids, and wrapped them in rich fat, grant this my
prayer ! May he return and Heaven be his guide !
Then would he scatter all the smartness you now reck-
lessly assume, roaming continually around the town,
while careless herdsmen let the flock decay."
Then answered him Melanthius the goatherd : " So,
so! How the cur talks, as if he knew some magic
arts ! Some day I '11 take hiib on a black and well-
benched ship far off from Ithaca, and get me a great
fortune. Oh that Apollo of the silver bow would
smite Telemachus at home to-day, or let him fall be-
fore the suitors, as certainly as for Odysseus, far in
foreign lands, the day of coming home is lost ! "
So saying, he left them slowly plodding on, and off
he went and soon he came to the king's palace. He en-
tered at once and took his seat among the suitors over
against Eurymachus, for he liked him best of all.
Then those who served passed him a portion of the
meat, while the grave housekeeper brought bread and
XVII. 260-292.] THE ODYSSEY. 271
set before him, for him to eat. Meantime Odysseus
and the noble swineherd halted as they drew near,
while round them came notes of the hollow lyre;
for Phemius lifted up his voice to sing before the
suitors. And taking the swineherd by the hand,
Odysseus said :
" Surely, Eumaeus, this is the goodly palace of Odys-
seus, easy to notice even among many. Building joins
building here. The court is built with wall and cor-
nice, and a double gate protects. No man may scorn
it. I notice too that a great company are banqueting
within ; for the savory steam mounts up, and in the
house resounds the lyre, made by the gods the fellow
of the feast."
And, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him and
said : " You notice quickly, dull of thought in no-
thing. Come then and let us plan what we must do.
You enter the stately buildings first and mingle with
the suitors, while I stay here behind ; or if you like,
wait you, and I will go. But do not linger long, or
somebody may spy you at the door and throw a stone
or strike you. Take care, I say ! "
Then long-tried royal Odysseus answered : " I see,
I understand ; you speak to one who knows. But go
you on before, I will stay here behind : for I am not
unused to blows and missiles. Stanch is my soul ;
for many dangers have I borne from waves and war.
To those let this be added. Yet I cannot disregard a
gnawing belly, the j)est which brings so many ills to
men. To ease it, timbered ships are fitted and carry
woe to foemen over barren seas."
So they conversed together. But a dog lying near
lifted his head and ears. Argos it was, the dog of
hardy Odysseus, whom long ago he reared but ncA^er
272 THE ODYSSEY. [XYII. 293-327.
used. Before the dog was grown, Odysseus went to
sacred Ilios. In the times past young men would take
him on the chase, for wild goats, deer, and hares ; but
now he lay neglected, his master gone away, upon the
pile of dung which had been dropped before the door
by mules and oxen, and which lay there in a heap for
slaves to carry off and dung the broad lands of Odys-
seus. Here lay the dog, this Argos, full of fleas. Yet
even now, seeing Odysseus near, he wagged his tail
and dropped both ears, but toward his master he had
not strength to move. Odysseus turned aside and
wiped away a tear, swiftly concealing from Eumaeus
what he did ; then straightway thus he questioned :
" Eumaeus, it is strange this dog lies on the dung-
hill. His form is good ; but I am not sure if he has
speed of foot to match his beauty, or if he is merely
what the table-dogs become which masters keep for
show."
And, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him anrl
said : " Aye truly, that is the dog of one who died
afar. If he were as good in form and action as when
Odysseus left him and went away to Troy, you would
be much surprised to see his speed and strength. For
nothing could escape him in the forest-depths, no crea-
ture that he started ; he was keen upon the scent.
Now he has come to ill. In a strange land his master
perished, and the slack women give him no more care ;
for slaves, when masters lose control, will not attend to
duties. Ah, half the value of a man far-seeing Zeus
destroys when the slave's lot befalls him ! "
So saying, he entered the stately house and went
straight down the hall among the lordly suitors. But
upon Argos fell the doom of darksome death when he
beheld Odysseus, twenty years away.
XVII. 328-357.] THE ODYSSEY. 273
By far the first to see the swineherd as he walked
along the hall was princely Telemachus, and he quick-
ly gave a nod to call him to his side. Glancing
around, Eumaeus took a stool which stood at hand,
where the carver sat at feasts within the hall when
carving for the suitors the many joints of meat ; car-
rying the stool to the table of Telemachus, he placed
it on the farther side and there sat down. And then
a page took up a dish of meat and passed it, and from
the basket gave him also bread.
Close following after, Odysseus entered the palace,
like an old and wretched beggar leaning upon a stafP.
Upon his back were miserable clothes. He sat down
on the ash-wood threshold just within the door, lean-
ing against the cypress post which long ago the car-
penter had smoothed with skill and leveled to the line.
But to the swineherd said Telemachus, calling him to
his side and taking a whole loaf from the goodly bas-
ket and also all the meat his hands stretched wide
would hold :
" Take this and give the stranger, and bid him move
about and beg of all the suitors. Shyness is no good
comrade for a needy man."
He spoke, and the swineherd went as soon as he
heard the order, and standing by Odysseus said in
winged words : " Stranger, Telemachus gives this, and
bids you move about and beg of all the suitors.
Shyness, he says, is no good comrade for a beggar
man."
Then answering him, said wise Odysseus : " Ο Zeus
above, may Telemachus be blessed among mankind,
and may he get whatever in his heart he longs for ! "
He spoke, and took the food with both his hands
and laid it down before his feet on his mean wallet,
274 THE ODYSSEY. [XVII. 358-388.
and so ate, the while within the hall the bard was
singing. But when the meal was ended and the sa-
cred bard had ceased, the suitors raised an uproar in
the hall. And now Athene, drawing near Laertes'
son, Odysseus, urged him to gather crusts among
the suitors, and learn who were the righteous ones
and who the lawless ; though not even thus would she
preserve a man of them from ruin. So off he went
to beg of all from left to right, stretching his hand
around as if he had been long a beggar. They pitied
him and gave, and wondering at the man asked one
another who he was and whence he came ; and Me-
lanthius, the goatherd, said :
" Hear from me, suitors of the illustrious queen,
something about the stranger. I saw him a while ago ;
and certainly it was the swineherd brought him hither.
The man himself I do not really know, nor of what
tribe he boasts himself to be."
When he had spoken, Antinoiis rebuked the swine-
herd thus : " Infamous swineherd, why bring this man
to town ? Have we not here already plenty of vaga-
bonds and nasty beggars to make mischief at our
feasts ? Do you not mind that men devour the living
of their lord by gathering here? And do you ask
this fellow too to come ? "
Then, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered him and
said : " Antinoiis, you speak but ill, noble although
you are. Who ever goes and calls a stranger from
abroad ? Unless indeed the stranger is a master of
some craft, a prophet, healer of disease, or builder,
or else a wondrous bard who pleases by his song ; for
these are welcomed by mankind the wide world
through. A beggar, who would ask to be a torment
to himseK ? But you are always harsh — more than
XVII. 389-420.] THE ODYSSEY. 275
the other suitors, — to the servants of Odysseus, es-
pecially to me. And yet I do not care, so long as heed-
ful Penelope is living in the palace, Penelope and
prince Telemachus."
Then said discreet Telemachus : " Hush ! Do not
make him a long answer. It is Antinous' way ever to
tease with ugly talk. He stirs up others too."
He spoke, and to Antinoiis in winged words he said :
" Antinous, finely you care for me, as a father for his
son, bidding me drive this stranger forth by a com-
pulsive word ! God let that never be ! Take of the
food and give him. I do not grudge it ; indeed I
bid you give. Be not disquieted about my mother or
any servant of the house of great Odysseus. But in
your breast there is no thought of giving. Far better
you like to eat than give to others."
Then answering said Antinoiis : " Telemachus, of
the lofty tongue and the unbridled temper, what do
you mean ? If every suitor gave as much as I, for
three months' space at least the house would miss him."
So saying, he seized his stool and drew it out from
under the table where it lay. On it he used to set
his dainty feet while feasting. Now all the rest
had given food and filled with bread and meat the
beggar's wallet. A moment and Odysseus would go
back to the threshold to taste the Achaeans' bounty.
Before Antinoiis he paused, and said :
" Give me some food, kind sir ! You do not seem
the poorest of the Achaeans ; rather, the chief ; for
you are like a king. So you shall give me bread
more generously than others, and I will sing your
praise the wide world through. For once I lived in
luxury among my mates, in a rich house, and often
gave to wanderers, careless who they might be or
276 THE ODYSSEY. [XVII. 421-452.
with what needs they came. Servants I had in plenty,
and everything besides by which men liΛ^e at ease
and are rej)uted rich. But Zeus, the son of Kronos,
brought me low. His vnU. it was. He sent me with
a roving band of plunderers to Egypt, a long voyage,
to my ruin. In Egypt's stream I anchored my curved
ships ; then to my trusty men I gave command to stay
there by the ships and guard the ships, while I sent
scouts to points of observation. But giving way to
lawlessness and following their own bent, they pres-
ently began to pillage the fair fields of the Egyp-
tians, carrying off wives and infant children and
slaughtering the men. Soon the din reached the
city. The people there, hearing the shouts, came
forth at early dawn, and all the plain was filled with
footmen and with horsemen and with the gleam of
bronze. Then Zeus, the Thunderer, brought on my
men a cruel panic, and none dared stand and face
the foe. Danger encountered us on every side. So
the Egyptians slew many of our men with the sharp
sword, and carried others off alive to work for them
in bondage. They gave me to a friend who chanced
to meet them upon his way to Cyprus, to Dmetor son
of lasus, who ruled with power in Cyprus. Thence
I am now come hither, sore distressed."
Then answered him Antinoiis and said: "What
god has brought to us this pest, this mar-feast here ?
Stand off there in the middle, back from my table, or
you shall find a bitter Egypt and a bitter Cyprus
too, brazen and shameless beggar that you are ! You
go to all in turn, and they give lavishly. No scruple
or compunction do they feel at being generous with
others' goods, while there remains abundance for
themselves."
XVII. 453-485.] THE ODYSSEY. 211
Then stepping back said wise Odysseus : " Indeed !
In you then wisdom does not go with beauty. From
your own house you would not give a suppliant salt,
if sitting at another's table you will not take and give
me bread. Yet here there is abundance."
As he thus sjDoke, Antinoiis was angered in his
heart the more, and looking sternly on him said in
winged words : " Now you shall never leave the hall in
peace, I think, now you have taunted me."
So saying, he seized his footstool, flung it and struck
Odysseus on the back of the right shoulder, near the
sj^ine. Firm as a rock he stood ; the missile of Anti-
noiis did not mov^e him. Silent he shook his head,
brooding on evil. Then once more walking toward
the threshold, down he sat, laid off his well-filled
wallet, and thus addressed the suitors :
" Hearken, you suitors of the illustrious queen, and
let me tell you what the heart within me bids. One
feels no smart or indignation in his mind if struck
while fighting for his own possessions, his oxen, say,
or white-wooled sheep ; but Antinoiis gave this blow
because of my poor belly, that wretched part which
brings to men so many ills. If then for beggars there
be gods and furies, may death's doom seize Antinoiis
before his marriage."
Then said Antinoiis, Eupeithes' son : " Stranger,
sit still and eat, or go off elsewhere ; or for such talk
as this young men will drag you through the house
by hand and foot, and strip off aU your sldn."
At these his words all were exceeding wroth, and
a rude youth would say : " Antinoiis, 't was not well
done to assault the wretched wanderer. A doomed
man you, if he should be a god come down from
heaven. And gods in guise of strangers from afar
278 THE ODYSSEY. [XVII. 486-518.
in every form do roam our cities, marking tlie sin
and righteousness of men."
So said the suitors ; Antinoiis did not heed their
words. But Telemachus nursed in his heart great in-
dignation at the blow, yet let no tear fall from his
eyelids to the ground. Silent he shook his head,
brooding on evil.
When heedful Penelope heard how in the hall a
man was struck, she said to her maids : " May the
archer-god Apollo strike you even so I " lYhereat
Eurynome the housekeeper made answer : " If only
prayers of ours might be fulfilled, no one of them
should see another bright-throned dawn."
And heedful Penelope replied : " Nurse, hateful are
they all; their ways are evil; but Antinoiis is like
dark doom itself. Into the house stra^^s some poor
stranger, and begs for bread, as need compels ; then
while all others gave and filled his wallet, Antinoiis
struck him with a footstool on the back of the right
shoulder."
So talked Penelope with her maids as she sat within
a chamber, while royal Odysseus was busied with his
meal. Then calling the noble swineherd, thus she
spoke : " Go, noble Eumaeus, go bid the stranger
come to me. I wish to greet him and to ask if he
has heard of hardy Odysseus or with his own eyes
seen him. He looks a traveled man."
Then, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered her and
said: "Would, queen, the Achaeans would be still!
AVhat he can tell would charm your very soul. Three
nights I had him ; for three days I kept him at the
lodge ; he came to me at once on escaping from his
vessel. Yet all that time he never ended telling me
his troubles. And just as when men gaze upon a
XVII. 519-551.] THE ODYSSEY. 279
bard who has been taught by gods to sing them mov-
ing lays, and they long to listen endlessly so long as
the bard will sing ; even so he held me spell-bound as
he sat within my room. He calls Odysseus his ances-
tral friend, and says his home is Crete, where the race
of Minos dwell. Thence he is now come hither, sore
distressed and onward driven ever. He declares he
has heard that Odysseus is near at hand, in the rich
land of the Thesprotians, a living man, and that he
brings a mass of treasure home."
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " Go call him
hither, to tell his story here before my face. Let men
make merry, sitting before the door, or here within
the house. Their hearts are gay. Untouched at home
their goods are lying, their bread and their sweet wine.
On these their servants feed. But haunting this
house of ours day after day, killing our oxen, sheep,
and fatted goats, these suitors hold high revel, drink-
ing sparkling wine wdth little heed. Much goes to
waste ; for there is no man here fit, like Odysseus, to
keep damage from our doors. But if Odysseus should
return, home to his native land, soon with his son's
help he would punish these men's crimes."
As she spoke thus, Telemachus sneezed loudly, and
all the hall gave a great echo. Penelope laughed,
and to Eumaeus straightway said in winged words :
" Pray go and call the stranger before me, as I bade.
Do you not notice how my son sneezed at my words ?
Therefore no partial death shall strike the suitors.
On all it falls ; none shall escape from death and
doom. Nay, this I will say farther ; mark it well : if
I shall find that all the stranger tells is true, I will
clothe him in a coat and tunic, goodly garments."
She spoke, and the swineherd went as soon as he
280 THE ODYSSEY. [XVII. 552-584.
heard the order, and standing near the stranger said
in winged words : " Here, good old stranger, heedful
Penelope is calling, the mother of Telemachus. Her
heart inclines her to ask for tidings of her husband,
so full of grief is she. And if she finds that all you
tell is true, she will clothe you in a coat and tunic,
things that you greatly need. Moreover, you shall
beg your bread about the land and fill your belly.
Whoever will shall give."
Then said to him long-tried royal Odysseus : " Eu-
maeus, I would straightway tell my whole true story
to the daughter of Icarius, heedful Penelope ; for well
I know about Odysseus. We have borne the self-
same sorrows. But I have fears about this crowd of
cruel suitors, whose arrogance and outrage reaches
the iron heavens ; for even now when, as I walked
along the hall doing no harm, this person struck and
hurt me, neither Telemachus nor others interfered.
Bid then Penelope, however eager, wait in the hall
till sunset; then let her ask about her husband's
coming, after giving me a seat beside the fire ; for
the clothes I wear are poor. That, you yourself well
know; because it was of you I first sought aid."
He spoke, and the swineherd went as soon as he
heard the order. But as he crossed the threshold,
thus spoke Penelope : " Are you not bringing him,
Eumaeus ? What does the wanderer mean ? Is he
afraid of some bad man, or simply shy at being in
the palace ? To be a homeless man and shy is bad."
Then, swineherd Eumaeus, you answered her and
said : '' Rightly he speaks, as any man must think, if
he would shun the ^dolence of these audacious men.
He bids you wait till sunset. And it is better too for
you, my queen, to speak to the stranger privately and
listen to his tale."
XVII. 585-606.] THE ODYSSEY. 281
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " Not without
wisdom thinks the stranger thus, whoever he may be ;
for mortal men have never yet so wantonly wTought
outrage."
She spoke, and the noble swineherd entered the
throng of suitors, when he had told her all; and
straightway to Telemachus he spoke these winged
words, — his head bent close, that others might not
hear :
" My dear, I go to guard the swine and matters
there, your livelihood and mine ; do you mind all
things here. Above all else, keep yourself safe and
see that nothing happens. Many of the Achaeans
are forming wicked plans, whom Zeus confound before
harm falls on us I "
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " So be
it, father ! Go when you have supped ; and in the
morning come and bring us goodly victims. To me
and the immortal gods leave all things here."
He spoke, and once more down Eumaeus sat upon
a polished bench. Then, after having satisfied desire
for food and drink, he departed to his swine, leaving
the courts and hall crowded with feasters, who with
dance and song were making merry ; for evening now
drew near.
XVIII.
THE FIGHT OF ODYSSEUS AND IRUS.
There came into the hall a common beggar, who
used to beg about the town of Ithaca, and everywhere
was noted for his greedy belly, eating and drinking
without end. He had no strength nor sinew, but in
bulk was large to see. Arnaeus was his name, the name
his honored mother gave at his birth ; but Irus all the
young men called him, because he used to run on
errands at anybody's bidding. Coming in now, he
tried to drive Odysseus from the house, and jeeringly
he spoke these winged words :
" Get up, old man, and leave the door-way, or you
wiU soon be dragged off by the leg. Do you not see
how everybody gives the wink and bids me drag you
forth ? I still hold back. Up, then ! Or soon our
quarrel comes to blows."
But looking sternly on him wise Odysseus said:
" Sir, I am doing you no harm by deed or word, nor
do I grudge it when men take and give you much.
This door will hold us both. Surely you should not
grudge the goods of others. You seem a wanderer,
like myself ; but the gods may grant us fortune. Yet
do not challenge me too far with show of fists, or you
may rouse my rage ; and old as I am, I still might
stain your breast and lips with blood. Then I should
have more peace to-morrow than to-day ; for a second
time, I think, you would not seek the hall of Laertes'
son, Odysseus."
XVIII. 25-57.] THE ODYSSEY. 283
Then angrily replied the beggar Irus : " Pshaw !
How glibly the glutton talks, like an old oven-woman !
But I will do him an ugly turn, knocking him right
and left, and scattering all the teeth out of his jaws
upon the ground, as if he were a pig spoiling the corn.
Gird yourself then, that all these men may watch our
fighting. Yet how could you defend yourself against
a younger man ? "
Thus on the well-worn threshold before the lofty
door they fiercely wrangled. Revered Antinoiis ob-
served them, and gaily laughing he thus addressed the
suitors :
" Friends, nothing so good as this has ever hap-
pened. What sport God sends this house ! The
stranger here and Irus are goading one another on
to blows. Let us quickly set them on ! "
He spoke, and laughing all sprang up and flocked
around the tattered beggars, and Antinoiis, Eupei-
thes' son, called out : " Hearken, you haughty suitors,
while I speak. Here are goat-paunches lying by the
fire, set there for supper, full of fat and blood.
Whichever wins and proves the better man, let him
step forth and take what one of these he will ; and
that man shall hereafter always attend our feasts and
we will allow no other beggar to come here asking
alms."
So said Antinoiis, and his saying pleased them. But
in his subtlety said wise Odysseus : " It is not fair,
my friends, a younger man should fight an old one,
one broken too by trouble. Yet a reckless belly
forces me to bear his blows. Come then, all swear a
solemn oath that nobody helping Irus will strike with
heavy hand an unfair blow, and put me down before
the man perforce."
284 THE ODYSSEY. [XVIII. 58-83.
He spoke, and ail then took the oath which he
required. And after they had sworn and ended all
their oath, once more revered Telemachus spoke out
among them : " Stranger, if heart and daring spirit
tempt you to meet the man, be not afraid of any of
the Achaeans ; for he shall fight the crowd who strikes
at you. I am the host. The princes too assent, An-
tinoiis and Eurymachus, both honest-minded men."
He spoke, and all ap23roved. Meanwhile Odysseus
gathered his rags around his waist and showed his
thighs, so fair and large, and his broad shoulders
came in sight, his breast and sinewy arms. Athene,
drawing nigh, filled out the limbs of the shepherd of
the people, that all the suitors greatly wondered.
And glancing at his neighbor one would say :
" Irus will soon be no more Irus, but catch a plague
of his own bringing ; so big a thigh the old man shows
under his rags."
So they spoke, and Irus' heart was sorely shaken ;
nevertheless, the serving-men girt him and led him
out, forcing him on in spite of fears. The muscles
quivered on his limbs. But Antinoiis rebuked him
and spoke to him and said :
" Better you were not living, loud-mouthed bully,
and never had been born, if you quake and are so
mightily afraid at meeting this old man, one broken
by the trouble he has had. Nay, this I tell you and
it shall be done : if he shall win and prove the better
man, I will toss you into a black ship and send you
to the mainland, off to king Echetus, the bane of all
mankind ; and lie will cut your nose and ears off with
his ruthless sword, and tearing out your bowels give
them raw to dogs to eat."
So he spoke, and a trembling greater still fell on
XVIll. 89-117.] THE ODYSSEY. 285
the limbs of Irus. But into the ring they led him,
and both men raised their fists. Then long-tried
royal Odysseus doubted whether to strike him so that
life might leave him as he fell, or to strike lightly
and but stretch him on the ground. Reflecting thus,
it seemed the better way lightly to strike, for fear the
Achaeans might discover it was he. So when they
raised their fists, Irus struck the right shoulder of
Odysseus ; but he struck Irus on the neck below the
ear and crushed the bones within. Forthwith from
out his mouth the red blood ran, and down in the
dust he fell with a moan, gnashing his teeth and
kicking on the ground. The lordly suitors raised
their hands and almost died with laughter. But
Odysseus caught Irus by the foot and dragged him
through the door-way, until he reached the courtyard
and the opening of the porch. Against the courtyard
wall he set him up aslant, then thrust a staff into his
hand, and speaking in winged words he said :
" Sit there awhile, and scare off dogs and swine ; and
do not try to be the lord of strangers and of beggars,
while pitiful yourself, or haply some worse fate may
fall on you."
He spoke, and round his shoulder slung his mis-
erable wallet, full of holes, which hung upon a cord,
then once more walking to the threshold he sat down ;
meanwhile the others pressed indoors with merry
laughter and thus accosted him :
" Stranger, may Zeus and the other immortal gods
grant all you wish for most, even all your heart's
desire, for stopping this insatiate fellow's begging
through the land. Soon we will take him to the main-
land, off to king Echetus, the bane of all mankind."
So they spoke, and royal Odysseus was happy in
286 THE ODYSSEY. [XVIII. 118-150.
the omen. Antinous too set a great paunch before
him, full of fat and blood, and Amphinomus took
two loaves out of the basket and offered them, and
pledged him in a golden cup and said : " Hail, aged
stranger ! May happiness be yours in time to come,
though you are tried by many troubles now ! "
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " In-
deed, Amphinomus, you seem a man of understand-
ing. Such was your father too ; for I have heard
a good report of Nisus of Doulichion, how he was
brave and rich. They say you are his son. You
appear kind. So I will speak and do you mark and
listen. Earth breeds no creature frailer than a man,
of all that breathe and move upon the earth ! For
he says he never more will meet with trouble, so
long as the gods give vigor and make his knees
be strong. Then when the blessed gods send sorrow,
this too he bears with patient heart, although against
his will. Ever the mood of man while on the earth
is as the day \vhich the father of men and gods be-
stows. Once among men I too was counted prosper-
ous ; but many wrongs I wrought, led on by pride and
sense of power, confident in my father's and my
brothers' aid. Wherefore let none in any wise be
reckless, but calmly take whatever gifts the gods pro-
vide. Yet I behold you suitors working wrong, wast-
ing the wealth and worrying the wife of one who,
I can tell you, will not be absent long from friends
and native land ; for he is very near. May then some
heavenly power conduct you to your homes ! And
may you not encounter him whenever he returns to
his own native land ! Surely not bloodless will the
parting be between the suitors and himself when un-
derneath this roof he comes once more."
XVIIL 151-182.] THE ODYSSEY. 287
He spoke, and pouring a libation drank the honeyed
wine, then back in the hands of the guardian of the
people placed the cup. Amphinomus walked down
the hall heavy at heart, shaking his head ; his soul
foreboded ill. Yet even so he did not escape his
doom ; for Athene bound him fast, beneath the hand
and spear of Telemachus to be perforce laid low. So
back he turned and took the seat from which he first
arose.
And now the goddess, clear-eyed Athene, put in the
mind of Icarius' daughter, heedful Penelope^ to show
herself among the suitors ; that she might thus open
the suitors' hearts most largely, and so become more
highly prized by husband and by son than heretofore.
Idly she laughed and thus she spoke and said :
" Eurynome, my heart is longing as it never longed
before to show myself among the Suitors, hateful
although they be. I would say to my son a word that
may be useful ; tell him to mingle not at all with the
audacious suitors, for they speak kindly but have evil
thoughts behind."
And in her turn Eurynome, the housewife, an-
swered : " Truly, my child, in all this you speak
rightly. Go then and tell this saying to your son and
do not hide it ; only first wash your body and anoint
your cheeks. Go not with such a tear-stained face.
To grieve incessantly makes matters worse. And
now your son is what you often prayed the immortals
you might see him, a bearded man already."
Then said to her heedful Penelope : " Eurynome,
urge me not, out of kindness, to wash my body and
anoint me with the oil. All charm of mine the gods
who hold Olympus took away when he departed in
the hollow ships. But tell Autonoe and Hippodameia
288 THE ODYSSEY. [XVIII. 183-214.
to come hither, to attend me in the hall. Among the
men I will not go alone, for very shame."
So she spoke, and through the hall forth the old
woman went to give the message to the maids and bid
them come with speed.
Then a new plan the goddess formed, clear-eyed
Athene. She poured sweet slumber on the daughter
of Icarius ; and lying back she slept and every joint
relaxed, there on her couch. Meanwhile the heavenly
goddess gave her immortal gifts, to make the Achae-
ans marvel. And first she bathed her lovely cheeks
with an immortal bloom, like that with which crowned
Cytherea anoints herself when going to the gladsome
dance among the Graces. She made her also taller
and larger to behold, and made her whiter than the
new-cut ivory. So having done, the heavenly goddess
went her way ; and out of the hall the white-armed
damsels came, entering the room with noise. Sweet
slumber left Penelope. She drew her hands across
her cheeks and thus she spoke :
" Ah, utterly wretched as I am, soft slumber wrapt
me round. Would that chaste Artemis would send
a death so soft, — instantly, now, — that, sad at heart
no more, I might not waste my days mourning the
many-sided worth of him, my husband, the best of all
Achaeans ! "
So saying, down she went from her bright upper
chamber, yet not alone ; two damsels followed her.
And when the royal lady reached the suitors, she
stood beside a column of the strong-built roof, hold-
ing before her face her delicate wimple, the while
a faithful damsel stood upon either hand. The suit-
ors' knees grew weak ; with love their hearts were
tranced. Each prayed to lie beside her. But she
addressed Tele maclius, her own dear son :
XVIII. 215-249.] THE ODYSSEY. 289
" Telemaclius, your mind and judgment are no
longer sound. While still a boy you managed more
discreetly. But now when you are grown and come
to man's estate, and any stranger would call jovl the
son of a man of worth, if he observed your height
and beauty, — now mind and judgment are not trusty
any more. For only see what happened in the hall :
you let this stranger be maltreated there. And what
will be thought if a stranger, seated within our house,
should meet with harm through brutal handling ?
Shame and disgrace would come on you from all
men."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " Mother,
I do not blame you for your anger. Yet in my heart
I know and fully understand the right and wrong.
Before, I was a child, and I am not always able now to
see what wise ways are ; for the suitors disconcert me,
coming on every side with wicked plans, while I have
none to help. However, the quarrel of Irus and the
stranger turned out in no wise to the suitors' mind.
In strength the stranger proved the better man. Ah
father Zeus, Athene, and Apollo, would that the suit-
ors in our halls might beaten hang their heads, —
some in the yard, some in the house, — and so their
limbs be loosed, as that same Irus at the courtyard
gate now sits and hangs his head, like a man drunk,
and cannot stand straight on his feet nor go off home,
wherever that may be, because his limbs are loose."
So they conversed together. But now Eurymachus
addressed Penelope : " Daughter of Icarius, heedful
Penelope, if all Achaeans in lasian Argos could be-
hold you, more suitors would be feasting in your hails
to-morrow ; for you excel all womankind in beauty,
height, and balanced mind within."
290 THE ODYSSEY. [XVIII. 250-283.
Then answered him heedful Penelope : " Euryma-
chus, all excellence of mine in face or form the im-
mortals took away the day the Argive host took ship
for Ilios, and with them went my lord Odysseus. If he
would come and tend this life of mine, greater would
be my fame and fairer then. Now I am in distress,
such woes God thrusts upon me. Ah, when he went
and left his native land, holding my hand, — my right
hand, by the wrist, — he said : ' Wife, I do not think
the mailed Achaeans will all come back from Troy
safe and unharmed ; for they say the Trojans are good
fighters, — hurlers of spears, drawers of bows, and
riders on swift horses, — such men as soon decide the
struggle of uncertain war. Therefore I do not know
if God will bring me back, or if I shall be captured
there in Troy. On you must rest the care of all
things here. Be mindful of my father and my mother
here at home, as you are now, and even more when I
am gone. And when you see our son a bearded man,
then marry whom you will, and leave the house now
yours.' Such were his words, and all now nears its
end. The night will come when a detested marriage
falls on doomed me, whom Zeus has stripped of for-
tune. One bitter vexation, too, touches my heart and
soul: this never was the way with suitors hereto-
fore ; they who will woo a lady of rank, a rich man's
daughter, rivaling one another, bring oxen and sturdy
sheep, to feast the maiden's friends, and give rich
gifts besides. They do not, making no amends, de-
vour another's substance."
She spoke, and glad was long-tried royal Odysseus
to see her winning gifts and charming the suitors'
hearts with pleasing words, while her mind had a dif-
ferent purpose.
XVIIL 284-31G.] THE ODYSSEY. 291
Then said Antinous, Eiipeithes' son : " Daughter
of Icarius, heedful Penelope, if any Achaean cares to
bring gifts hither, accept them ; for it is not gracious
to refuse a gift. But we will never go to our estates,
nor elsewhere either, till you are married to the best
Achaean here."
So said Antinoiis, and his saying pleased them ;
and for the bringing of the gifts each man sent forth
his page. The page of Antinous brought a fair large
robe of many colors ; on it were golden brooches,
twelve in all, mounted with twisted clasps. To Eury-
machus his page presently brought a chain, wrought
curiously in gold and set with amber, bright as
the sun. His servants brought Eury damns a pair of
earrings, each brilliant with three drops ; from them
great beauty sparkled. Out of the house of lord
Peisander, son of Polyctor, his servant brought a
necldace, a jewel exceeding fair. And other servants
brought still other fitting gifts from the Achaeans.
Then went the royal lady to her upper chamber,
her damsels carrying the goodly gifts. Meanwhile
the suitors to dancing and the gladsome song turned
merrily, and waited for the evening to come on. And
on their merriment dark evening came. Straightway
they set three braziers in the hall, to give them light,
and piled upon them sapless logs, — long seasoned,
very dry, and freshly split, — with which they mingled
brands. By turns the maids of hardy Odysseus fed
the fire ; and he, the high-born wise Odysseus, thus
addressed them :
" You damsels of Odysseus, a master long away, go
to the room where your honored mistress stays.
There twirl your spindles by her side and furnish her
good cheer, as you sit within her hall, and card witli
292 THE ODYSSEY. [XVIII. 317-346.
your hands tlie wool. I will supply the light for all
these here. Yes, if they wish to stay till bright-
throned dawn, they will not weary me ; I am prac-
ticed to endure."
At these his words the damsels laughed and glanced
at one another, and Melantho rudely reviled Odysseus,
— Melantho the fair-faced girl, daughter of Dolius,
whom Penelope had reared and treated as her child,
granting her every whim. But for all this, she enter-
tained no sorrow for Penelope, but loved Eurymachus
and was his paramour. She now reviled Odysseus in
these abusive words :
" \\^hy, silly stranger, you are certainly some crack-
brained person, unwilling to go to the coppersmith's
to sleep, or to the common lodge ; but here you prate
continually, braving these many lords and unabashed
at heart. Surely the wine has touched your wits ; or
else it is your constant way to chatter idly. Are you
beside yourself because you beat that scapegrace Irus ?
A better man than Irus may by and by arise, to box
your pate with doughty blows and pack you out of
doors all dabbled with your blood."
But looking sternly on her, wise Odysseus said:
"You cur, I go, and at once tell Telemachus what
words you use ; and he shall tear you limb from limb
upon the spot."
So saying, by his words he frightened off the
women. They hurried along the hall. The knees of
each grew weak with terror, for they thought he spoke
in earnest. He, meanwhile, keeping up the fire, stood
by the blazing braziers observing all the men. But
other thoughts his heart debated, thoughts not to fail
of issue.
Yet Athene allowed the haughty suitors not alto-
XVIII. 347-377.] THE ODYSSEY. 293
gether yet to cease from biting scorn. She wished
more pain to pierce the heart of Laertes' son, Odys-
seus. Co Eurymachus the son of Polybus began to
speak, and jeering Odysseus raised a laugh among his
mates : " Hearken, you suitors of the illustrious queen,
and let me tell you what the heart within me bids.
Not without guidance of a god this fellow comes to
the household of Odysseus. At any rate, a torchlight
seems to rise from his very head ; for hair upon it
there is none, no not the least."
With that he called to the spoiler of towns, Odys-
seus : " Stranger, if I would take you, would you like
to work for hire on the outskirts of my farm, — there
will be pay enough, — gathering stones for walls and
setting out tall trees? There for a year I would
provide you food, furnish you clothing and put san-
dals on your feet. Still, now that you have learned
bad ways you will not care to work, but will prefer to
beg about the town, so long as you can find where-
with to stuff your greedy maw."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Eu-
rymachus, I wish that we might have a match at
work, in spring-time when the days are long, upon the
grass ; and I would take a well-curved scythe and j^ou
another like it to test our power of work, fasting
right up till dark, with grass still plenty. Or if again
the match were driving oxen, — choice, tawny, large
ones, both well fed with grass, equal in years and
pulling well together, tireless in strength, — and here
were a field four acres large, whose soil would take
the plow ; then you should see if I could cut a straight
and even furrow. Or, once more, if the son of Kro-
nos by some means stirred up war, this very day, and
I had a shield and pair of spears and a brazen helmet
294 THE ODYSSEY. [XVIII. 378-409.
fitted to my brow, then would you see me join the
foremost in the fight, and you would no longer jest
and talk about my belly. No, you are very proud and
your temper is disdainful ; no doubt you seem a great
man and a mighty, because you mix with few and
they of little worth. But should Odysseus come and
reach his native land, soon would these doors, how-
ever wide, prove all too narrow, as you hurried through
the porch."
As he spoke thus, Eurymachus grew angrier still
at heart, and looking sternly on Odysseus, he spoke
these winged words : " Wretch, I shall do you mis-
chief soon for prating so, braving these many lords
and unabashed at heart. Surely the w"ine has touched
your wits ; or else it is your constant way to chatter
idly. Are you beside yourself because you beat that
scapegrace Irus ? "
So saying, he seized a footstool : Odysseus crouched
by the knees of Amphinomus of Doulichion, fearing
Eurymachus, who hit the right hand of the wine-
pourer. Down went his beaker clattering to the
ground, and he himself fell moaning in the dust. But
the suitors broke into uproar up and down the dusky
hall, and glancing at his neighbor one would say :
" Would that the vagabond had perished elsewhere
before he came in here ! He would not then have
caused this din. Here we are brawling over beggars.
No more delight in jolly feasts ; now worse things have
their way ! "
Then said to them revered Telemachus : " Sirs, you
are mad, and do not hide that you have drunk and
eaten. Some god excites you. But now that you have
feasted well, go home to bed as quickly as you please.
Yet I drive none away."
XVIII. 410-428.] THE ODYSSEY. 295
He spoke, and aU with teeth set in their lips mar-
veled because Telemachiis had spoken boldly. And
then Amphinomus, the illustrious son of noble Nisus,
and grandson of Aretias, addressed them saying:
" Friends, in answering what is fairly said, none should
be angry and retort with sj^iteful words. Let none
abuse the stranger nor any of the servants in great
Odysseus' hall. Come then and let the wine-pourer
give pious portions to our cups, that after a libation
we each go home to bed. And let us leave the stran-
ger here within Odysseus' hall, to be cared for by Te-
lemachus ; for to his house he came."
He spoke, and to them all his words were pleas-
ing. So a bowl was brewed by the lord Moulius, a
Doulichian page and follower of Amphinomus. To
all in turn he served ; and they, with a libation to the
blessed gods, drank of the honeyed wine. Then after
they had poured and drunk as their hearts would, de-
siring rest, they each departed homeward.
τ
XIX.
THE MEETING WITH PENELOPE AND THE RECOGNI-
TION BY EURYCLEIA.
So in the hall was royal Odysseus left behind, plot-
ting to slay the suitors with Athene's aid, and straight-
way to Telemachus he spoke these winged words :
" Telemachus, this fighting gear must all be laid
away, and with soft words you must beguile the suit-
ors when they because they miss it question you : ' I
put it by out of the smoke, for it looks no longer like
the armor which Odysseus left behind when he went
away to Troy ; it is all tarnished, where the scent of
fire has come nigh. Besides, this graver fear some
god put in my mind. You might when full of wine
begin a quarrel and give each other wounds, making
a scandal of the feast and of your wooing. Steel it-
self draws men on.' "
He spoke, and Telemachus heeded his dear father,
and calling aside nurse Eurycleia, said : " Nurse, go
and keep the women in their rooms while I place in
the chamber my father's goodly armor, which as it
lies uncared for round the house smoke stains, while
he is gone. I have been foolish. Now I will place
it where no scent of fire shall come nio^h."
Then said to him his dear nurse Eurycleia : " Ah !
Would, my child, you might incline to heedful ways,
and mind the house and guard its treasures ! But
who shall go and bear the light ? You will not let
the women stir who might have lighted you."
XIX. 26-58.] THE ODYSSEY. 297
Then answered lier discreet Telemachus : " This
stranger here ; for I will allow no idle man to touch
my bread, come he from whence he may."
Such were his words ; unwinged, they rested with
her. She locked the doors of the stately hall. And
now arose Odysseus and his gallant son and bore away
the helmets, bulging shields and pointed spears. Be-
fore them Pallas Athene, holding a golden lamp,
made beauteous light. Thereat Telemachus said to
his father quickly :
" Father, my eyes behold a mighty marvel. The
palace walls and the fair interspaces, the pine-wood
beams and the uprising pillars are all aglow as from
a blazing fire. Surely a god is in this house, even
such as they who hold the open sky."
But wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Hush,
check your thoughts and ask no question. It is in-
deed an indication of the gods that hold Olympus.
Go you to rest. I will continue here, to try these
damsels and your mother more ; and she shall weep
and question me of all."
So he spoke, and through the hall forth went Te-
lemachus with blazing torch, to rest within that cham-
ber where he always lay when pleasant sleep drew
near. Here then he laid him down, awaiting sacred
dawn ; while in the hall royal Odysseus staid behind,
plotting to slay the suitors with Athene's aid.
Now from her room came heedful Penelope, like
\A.r temis or^golden Aphro dite. . Beside the fire where
she was wont to sit, they placed a chair fashioned
with spiral work of ivory and silver ; which Icmalins,
the carpenter, had made long time ago, setting upon
the lower part a rest for feet, fixed to the chair itself.
Over the whole a large fleece had been thrown. Here
298 THE ODYSSEY. [XIX. 59-90.
heedful Penelope now sat down. Soon came the
white - armed damsels from their hall, and cleared
away the abundant food, the tables, and the cups from
which the proud lords had been drinking. The em-
bers from the braziers they threw upon the floor, and
in the braziers piled fresh heaps of wood to furnish
light and warmth. Then thus Melantho once more
chid Odysseus :
" Stranger, are you still here, to plague us all night
long, prowling about the house, watching the women ?
Be off, vile thing, and be content with eating, or you
will soon be hit with a brand and go."
But looking sternly on her, wise Odysseus said :
" Woman, why rail at me with such an angry heart ?
Is it that I am foul and wear mean clothes and beg
about the land? I^ecessity constrains me. This is
what beggars and what homeless people are. Yet
once I lived in luxury among my mates, in a rich
house, and often gave to wanderers, careless who they
might be or with what need they came. Servants I
had in plenty and everything besides by which men
live at ease and are reputed rich. But Zeus, the son of
Kronos, brought me low. His will it was. And you
too, woman, some day yet may lose those charms in
which you now excel the other maids. Your mistress
may become provoked to anger with you. Odysseus
may return ; there still is room for hope. But if he is
dead, as you suppose, and to return no more, yet by
Apollo's grace he has a worthy son, Telemachus,
whose eye no woman in the hall escapes in her mis-
deeds ; because he is no longer now the child he
was."
Heedful Penelope heard what he was saying, and
she rebuked her maid and spoke to her and said ;
XIX. 91-122.] THE ODYSSEY. 299
" Not in the least, you bold and shameless creature,
have you escaped my eye in doing guilty deeds. Your
head shall answer for them. Full well you knew —
you heard it from myself — that I intended to ask
tidings of this stranger here in my hall about my hus-
band; for I am sore distressed."
She spoke, and to the house-keeper Eurynome she
said : " Eurynome, pray bring a bench and a fleece
on it, and let the stranger sit and tell his tale, and
listen too to me ; I wish to question him."
She spoke ; the other with all speed brought her a
polished bench and placed it there, and on it laid a
fleece. Then long-tried royal Odysseus sat him down,
and thus began heedful Penelope :
" Stranger, I will myself first ask you this : who
are you? Of what people? Where is your town and
kindred?"
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Lady,
no man upon the boundless earth may speak dispraise
of you, because your fame is wide as is the sky.
Such is the glory of a blameless king who reverences
God and rules a people numerous and mighty, up-
holding justice. For him the dark-soiled earth pro-
duces wheat and barley, trees bend low with fruit,
the flock has constant issue, and the sea yields
fish, under his righteous sway. Because of him his
people prosper. Question me, then, of all things else
while I am here ; but do not ask my lineage and
home, nor fill my heart with still more pains by recol-
lection. I am a man of sorrows ; yet must I not in
a strange house sit down to weep and wail. To
grieve incessantly makes matters worse. One of
these maids, or you yourself, might take it ill, and say
my flood of tears came with a weight of wine."
300 THE ODYSSEY. [XIX. 123-156.
Then answered him lieedful Penelope : " Stranger,
all excellence of mine in face or form the immortals
took away the day the Argive host took ship for Ilios,
and with them went my lord Odysseus. If he would
come and tend this life of mine, greater would be my
fame and fairer then. Now I am in distress, such
woes God thrusts upon me. For all the nobles who
bear sway among the islands — Doulichion, Same,
and woody Zacynthus — and they who here in far-
seen Ithaca dwell round about, sue for unwilling me
and waste my house. Wherefore I pay no heed to
strangers or to suppliants, nor even to heralds who ply
a public trade ; but, longing for Odysseus, I waste my
heart away. These men urge on my marriage : I
wind my skein of guile. First, Heaven inspired my
mind to set up a great loom within the hall and weave
a robe, fine and exceeding large ; and to the men
said I, ' Young men who are my suitors, though royal
Odysseus now is dead, forbear to urge my marriage
till I complete this robe, — its threads must not be
wasted, — a shroud for lord Laertes, against the time
when the fell doom of death that lays men low shall
overtake him. Achaean wives about the land I fear
might give me blame if he should lie without a
shroud, he who had great possessions.' Such were
my words, and their high hearts assented. Then in
the daytime would I weave at the great web, but in
the night unravel, after my torch was set. Thus for
three years I hid my craft and cheated the Achaeans.
But when the fourth year came, as time rolled on,
when the months waned and the long days were done,
then through the means of maids — the thankless
creatures, — they came and caught me and up-
braided me ; so then I finished it, against my will,
XIX. 157-187.] THE ODYSSEY. 301
perforce. Now I can neither shun the match nor find
a fresh device. My parents too press me to marry,
and my sou chafes at the men who swallow up his
living ; noting* it now, for now he is a man and fully
able to heed his house, and Zeus vouchsafes him honor.
Yet what of this ! Tell me the lineage of which you
come. You are not born of immemorial oak or
rock."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Ο
honored wife of Laertes' son, Odysseus, will you not
cease to question of my lineage ? lYell, I will tell
the tale, though you deliver me to sorrows more than
I now bear. But so it ever is when one is absent
from his land as long as I, wandering from town to
town, he meets with hardship! Still, I will tell you
what you ask and seek to know.
" There is a country, Crete, in the midst of the
wine-dark sea, a fair land and a rich, begirt with water.
The people there are many, innumerable indeed, and
they have ninety cities. Their speech is mixed ; one
language joins another. Here are Achaeans, here
brave native Cretans, here Cydonians, crested Do-
rians, and noble Pelasgians. Of all their towns the
capital is Cnosus, where Minos became king when
nine years old — Minos, the friend of mighty Zeus
and father of my father, bold Deucalion. Deucalion
begot me and the prince Idomeneus. Idomeneus, how-
ever, went in beaked ships to Ilios, in train of the
Atreidae. My own proud name is Aethon,and I am
the younger born ; he was the older and the better
man. Here was it that I saw Odysseus and gave him
entertainment ; for into Crete a strong wind bore
him, and while he steered toward Troy it forced him
past Maleia. He anchored at Amnisus, where is
302 THE ODYSSEY. [XIX. 188-219.
Elithyia's cave, in a harbor hard to win, and he
scarcely cleared the storm. Straightway he came to
town, inquiring for Idomeneus ; for he said he was his
friend, beloved and honored. But it was now the tenth
dawn, or the eleventh, since Idomeneus had gone with
the beaked ships to Ilios. And so it happened it was
I who brought him to the palace, where I entertained
him well and gave him generous welcome from the
abundance of my house. To him and all the men
who followed I furnished barley-meal and sparkling
wine from out the public store, with oxen enough for
sacrifice to fill their heart's desire. Here for twelve
days the noble Achaeans tarried; the strong wind
Boreas constrained them and even near the shore let
them not lie at anchor. Some baffling power aroused
it. But on the thirteenth day the wind went down,
and so they put to sea."
He made the many falsehoods of his tale seem like
the truth. So as she listened, drops ran down ; she
melted into tears. And as the snow melts on the
lofty mountains, when Eurus melts what Zephyrus
has scattered, and at its melting flowing rivers fill;
so did her fair cheeks melt with flowing tears, as she
bewailed the husband who was seated by her side.
Odysseus in his heart pitied his sobbing wife ; but his
eyes stood fixed as horn or iron, motionless in their
sockets. Through craft he checked his tears. But
when she had had her fill of tears and sighs, finding
her words once more she said to him :
" Now, stranger, I shall put you to the test, I think,
and see if at your hall you really entertained my hus-
band and his gallant comrades, as you say. Tell me
what sort of clothes he wore ; what the man him-
self was like, and the comrades who were with him."
XIX. 220-252.] THE ODYSSEY. 303
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Ο
lady, it is hard, with so long a time between, to tell
you that ; for twenty years are gone since he set forth
and left my land. Still, I will tell you how my mind
makes him appear. A cloak of purple wool Odysseus
wore, made with a double fold. A brooch of gold
upon it was fashioned with twin buckles, the front
part ornamented. In his forepaws a dog held down a
spotted fawn and clutched it as it writhed. This all
admired and marveled how, though things of gold,
the dog would clutch and choke the fawn, and how
the fawn that struggled to escape would twitch its
feet. His tunic too I noticed, sheeny across the flesh,
just like the skin stripped down from a dried onion ; so
smooth it was, and glistering like the sun. And truly
many a woman gazed on the man with Avonder. But
this I will say farther ; mark it well. I do not know
if Odysseus wore this dress at home, or if a comrade
gave it when he entered the swift ship, or yet perhaps
some host. Odysseus was beloved by many men ;
few of the Achaeans equally. I gave him gifts my-
self, — a sword of bronze, a beautiful purple doublet
and a bordered tunic ; and I sent him off with honor
on his well-benched ship. A herald a little older than
himself attended him. I will describe what manner
of man this herald was : bent in the shoulders,
swarthy, curly-haired, and named Eurybates. Odys-
seus honored him beyond his other comrades, because
he had a mind that suited well his own."
So he spoke, and stirred still more her yearning
after tears, as she recognized the tokens which Odys-
seus exactly told. But when she had had her fill of
tears and sighs, finding her words once more she said
to him :
304 THE ODYSSEY. [XIX. 253-284.
" From this time forth, stranger, you who before
were pitied shall in my halls be one beloved and hon-
ored. For I it was who gave the clothes which you
describe. I folded them in the chamber and fixed the
glittering brooch to be his pride. But I shall never-
more receive him homeward returning to his native
land. Wherefore through evil fate Odysseus went by
hollow ship to see accursed Ilios, name never to be
named."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Ο
honored wife of Laertes' son Odysseus, mar your
fair face no more, nor waste your heart with sorrow-
ing for your husband. And yet I do not blame you ;
for any woman weeps to lose the husband of her
youth, whose children she has borne, whose love she
tasted, though he were other than Odysseus, who they
say is like the gods. Still, cease your grief and mark
my word ; for I will speak unerringly and nothing
will I hide of what I lately heard about the coming
of Odysseus, — how he is near, in the rich country of
the Thesprotians, a living man, and bringing with him
much good treasure which he has begged throughout
the land. His trusty crew and hollow ship he lost on
the wine-dark sea, when coming from the island of
Thrinacia ; for Zeus and the Sun were angry with
him, because his crew killed the Sun's kine. So they
all perished in the surging sea ; but he on his ship's
keel was cast by a wave ashore on the coast of the
Phaeacians, who are kinsmen of the gods. They
honored him exceedingly, as if he were a god, and gave
him many gifts and themselves wished to bring him
home unharmed. And here in Ithaca Odysseus would
have been long time ago, only it seemed a thing of
greater profit to gather wealth by roaming far and
XIX. 285-317.] THE ODYSSEY. 305
wide, — so many gainful ways, beyond all mortal men,
Odysseus understands ; no living man can match him.
This is the story which the king of the Thesprotians,
Pheidon, told me. Moreover in my presence, as he
offered a libation in his house, he swore the ship was
launched and sailors waiting to bring him home to his
own native land. But he sent me off before, for a
ship of the Thesprotians happened to be starting for
the Doulichian grainfields. He showed me all the trea-
sure that Odysseus had obtained ; and really it would
support man after man ten generations long, so large
a stock was stored in the king's palace. Odysseus
himseK, he said, was gone at that time to Dodona, to
learn from the sacred lofty oak the will of Zeus, and
how he might return, wdiether openly or by stealth, to
his dear native land wdien now so long away. So he
is safe, and soon will come, and now is near at hand,
and parted from friends and native land he will not
tarry long. Lo, I will add an oath. First then of
all the gods be witness Zeus, highest of gods and
noblest, and let the hearth of good Odysseus whereto
I come be witness ; all this shall be accomplished ex-
actly as I say. This very year Odysseus comes, as
this moon wanes and as the next appears."
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " Ah, stranger,
would these words of yours might be fulfilled ! Soon
should you know my kindness and many a gift from
me, and every man you met would call you blessed.
But yet the thought is in my heart how it will really
be. Odysseus will return no more, nor you get con-
voy hence ; for there are no more masters in the
house, able, as once Odysseus was — if ever he was
here, — to speed the worthy stranger forth or kindly to
receive. Still, wash the stranger's feet, my women, and
306 THE ODYSSEY. [XIX. 318-353.
prepare his bed, bedstead and robes and brigbt-bued
rugs, tbat well and warmly he may spend the time till
gold-throned dawn ; and early in the morning bathe
and anoint him well, so that indoors beside Telema-
chus he may await his meal, seated within the hall.
And woe to him who persecutes or frets the man.
Henceforth he shall get nothing here, though he be
sorely vexed. For how could you think me, stranger,
better than other women in will and careful wisdom, if
you should sit at table in my hall unkempt and meanly
clad? Men are short-lived. And if a man is harsh
and thinks harsh thoughts, on him all call down curses
while he lives, and when he dies revile him ; but he
who is gentle and thinks gentle thoughts, his praises
strangers carry far and wide to all mankind, and many
speak him well."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Ο
honored wife of Laertes' son Odysseus, hateful to
me are robes and bright-hued rugs, since first I left
the snowy hills of Crete on board the long-oared ship.
Here I would rest just as I used to lie through sleep-
less nights ; for many a night I spent on a rough bed,
awaiting sacred bright-throned dawn. Baths for the
feet give me no pleasure, and foot of mine shall not be
touched by any of these maids who serve the palace,
— unless indeed there be some aged woman, sober-
minded, one who has borne as many sorrows as myself.
It would not trouble me that such a one should touch
my feet."
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " Dear stran-
ger, — and none discreet as you among the traveling
strangers has been more welcome at my house, so
suitably discreet is all you say, — I have an aged
woman of an understanding heart, who gently nursed
XIX. 354-389.] THE ODYSSEY. 307
and tended that unfortunate and took liim in her arms
the day his mother bore him. She, feeble as she is,
shall wash your feet. Come, rise up, heedful Eury-
cleia, and wash a man old as your master ! Perhaps
Odysseus is already such as he, in feet and hands ;
for soon in times of trouble men grow old."
As she spoke thus, the old woman hid her face in her
hands and shed hot tears and uttered wailing words :
" Alas for you, my child ! Powerless am I. Zeus
surely hated you beyond all humankind, godfearing
though you were. For no man ever burned to Zeus,
the Thunderer, fat thighs so good or such choice heca-
tombs as you have offered when you prayed to reach
a hale old age and rear your gallant son. And yet
from you alone he utterly cut off the day of coming
home. Even so perhaps women reviled him too at
foreign tables, when he reached some lordly house, just
as these brutes are all reviling you. To shun their
insults and their many taunts, you do not let them
wash you ; and I, not loath, am bidden to it by the
daughter of Icarius, heedful Penelope. So I will
wash your feet, both for Penelope's own sake and for
your own, because my heart within is stirred by sor-
row. Yet mark the words I say ! Many a way-worn
stranger has come hither ; but one so like Odysseus I
declare I never saw, as you are like him, form, and
voice and feet."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Yes,
woman, so says every one who sees us two, that we
are like each other, even as you shrewdly say."
As he spoke thus, the old woman took the glittering
basin which she used for washing feet and poured in
much cold water, afterwards adding warm. Now
Odysseus was sitting by the hearth, but soon turned
808 THE ODYSSEY. [XIX. 390-420.
toward the darkness ; for suddenly into his mind there
came the thought that in touching him she might de-
tect the scar and thus the facts be known. So she
drew near him and began to wash her master ; and
presently she found the scar which a boar inflicted
long ago with his white tusk, when to Parnassus came
Odysseus to see Autolycus and his sons. Good Au-
tolycus was the father of the mother of Odysseus,
and was famous among men for thievery and oaths»
Hermes, the god, had given him skill, because to him
Autolycus had burned well-pleasing thighs of lambs
and kids ; so Hermes gladly served him. Now Au-
tolycus, visiting the fertile land of Ithaca, found there
his daughter's son, a child new-born ; and after supper
Eurycleia laid the child upon his knees, and speaking
thus she said :
" Autolycus, choose now a name to give your child's
own child. He has been wished for long."
Then answered her Autolycus and said : " My son-
in-law and daughter, give him the name I say. Since
I come hither odious to many men and women on the
bounteous earth, therefore Odysseus be his name.
And I, when he is grown and visits the great palace
of his mother's kin upon Parnassus, where my posses-
sions lie, will give thereof to him and send him home
rejoicing."
On this account Od3^sseus came to get the glorious
gifts. And Autolycus and his sons gave him a wel-
come with friendly hands and courteous words ; and
Amphithea, his mother's mother, took Odysseus in her
arms and kissed his face and both his beauteous eyes.
Then Autolycus bade his famous sons to lay the dinner
ready, and they hearkened to his call. They quickly
brought an ox, hye years old, and flayed and dressed
XIX. 421-455.] THE ODYSSEY. 309
it, laid it asunder, sliced it with skill, stuck it on spits,
and roasting it with care served out the jDortions.
Thus all throughout the day till setting sun they held
their feast. There was no lack of appetite for the im-
partial feast. But when the sun had set and darkness
came, they laid them down and took the gift of sleep.
IVhen now the early rosy-fingered dawn appeared,
they started on the hunt ; the dogs went forth, the men
themselves, — the sons of Autolycus, — and with them
went royal Odysseus too. They climbed the steep
and wood-clad mountain of Parnassus and soon they
reached its windy ridges. Just then the sun began to
touch the fields as he ascended from the calm and
brimming stream of Ocean. And now to a glen the
prickers came. Before them, following the tracks,
the hounds ran on, the sons of Autolycus hastening
after. With the sons went royal Odysseus, close on
the hounds, wielding his outstretched spear. In a
dense thicket here a huge boar lay. It was a spot no
force of wind with its chill breath could pierce, no sun-
beams smite, nor rain pass through, so dense it was,
and a thick fall of leaves was in it. Here round the
boar there came the tramp of men and dogs, as the
prickers pushed along. Facing them from his lair,
with bristling back, fire flashing in his eyes, the boar
stood close at bay. Odysseus first sprang forward,
raising the long spear in his sinewy hand, eager to
give the blow ; but the boar was quick and struck him
on the knee, and by a side-thrust of his tusk tore the
flesh deep, but reached no bone. And now Odysseus,
by a downward blow, struck the right shoulder of the
boar ; clean through it the bright sj^ear-point passed.
Down in the dust he fell with a moan, and his life
flew away. Then the good sons of Autolycus looked
310 THE ODYSSEY. [XIX. 456^87.
to tlie boar ; and the wound of gallant princely Odys-
seus they bound up skillfully, and with a spell
stanched the black blood, and soon they reached their
father's house. So Autolycus and his sons when they
had fully healed Odysseus and given him glorious
gifts, — pleasing by kindness him who pleased them
too, — sent him with speed to Ithaca, where his father
and honored mother rejoiced at his return and ques-
tioned much how he had got the scar. He told them
how, while he was hunting, a boar inflicted it with his
white tusk when he had gone to Parnassus with Au-
tolycus' sons.
This was the scar the woman felt with her flat
hand. She knew it by the touch and dropped the
foot. The leg fell in the basin ; the copper rang, and
tilting sidewise let all the water run upon the ground.
Then joy and grief together seized her breast ; her
two eyes filled with tears, her full voice stayed ; and
laying her hand upon Odysseus' chin she said :
" You really are Odysseus, my dear child, and I never
knew you till I handled my master o'er and o'er ! "
She spoke and cast her eyes upon Penelope, mean-
ing to let her know her lord was there. But Pene-
lope could not catch the glance nor understand, be-
cause Athene drew away her notice ; and Odysseus,
feeling for Eurycleia's throat, clutched it with his
right hand, then drew her closer toward him with his
left and said :
" Why, mother, will you kill me ? It was yourself
who nursed me at the breast ; and now through many
hardships I come in the twentieth year to my own na-
tive land. Though you have found me out and a god
inspired your heart, be silent, lest some other person
in the hall may know. Or else, — I tell you, and it
XIX. 488-520.] THE ODYSSEY. 311
shall be done, — if God by me subdues the lordly
suitors, I will not spare even you, nurse though you
are, when I shall slay the other serving-women in my
halls."
Then answered heedful Eurycleia : " My child,
what word has passed the barrier of your teeth ? You
know how steadfast, how inflexible my spirit is. I
shall hold fast like stubborn rock or iron. And this I
will say farther : mark it well. If God by you sub-
dues the lordly suitors, then I will name the women
of the hall and tell you who dishonor you and who are
guiltless."
But wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Mother,
why talk of them ? You have no need. I will myself
observe them well and find out each. Be quiet with
your story ! Leave the matter to the gods ! "
So he spoke, and through the hall forth went the
aged woman to fetch water for his feet ; for all the
first was spilled. Now when she had washed him and
anointed him with oil, again Odysseus drew his bench
closer beside the fire, to warm himself, — but with his
tatters hid the scar, — and thus began heedful Pene-
lope :
" Stranger, there is but little more that I will ask ;
because the season of sweet rest will soon be here,
for those to whom kind sleep will come when they
are sad. But upon me God sends incessant sorrow.
Day after day my joys are tears and sighs, as I watch
my household tasks and watch my women. Then
when night comes and slumber visits all, I lie in bed,
and crowding on my heavy heart sharp cares sting
me to weeping. As when Pandareos' daughter, the
russet nightingale, sings sweetly at the coming in of
spring, perched in the thick-leaved trees, and to and
312 THE ODYSSEY. [XIX. 521-553.
fro pours out her thrilling voice, in lamentation for
her dear child, Itylus, whom with the sword she
one day blindly slew, her son by royal Zethus ; so
does my doubtful heart toss to and fro whether to
bide beside my son and keep all here in safety, — my
goods, my maids, and my great high-roofed house, —
and thus revere my husband's bed and heed the public
voice, or finally to follow some chief of the Achae-
ans who wooes me in my hall with countless gifts.
My son, while but a child and slack of understanding,
did not permit my marrying and departing from my
husband's home ; but now that he is grown and come
to man's estate, he prays me to go home again and
leave the hall, so troubled is he for that substance
which the Achaeans waste. But come, interpret now
and hear this dream of mine. I have twenty geese
about the place who pick up corn out of the water,
and I amuse myself with watching them. But from
the mountain came a great hook-beaked eagle and
broke the necks of all and killed my geese. In heaps
they lay, scattered about the buildings, while he was
borne aloft into the sacred sky. So I began to weep
and wail, — still in my dream, — and fair-haired
Achaean damsels gathered round and found me sadly
sobbing that the eagle killed my geese. Then down
again he came, lit on a jutting rafter, and with a hu-
man voice he checked my tears and said : ' Courage,
Ο daughter of renowned Icarius ! This is no dream,
but true reality, which yet shall come to pass. The
geese are suitors ; and I, the eagle, was at the first a
bird, but now, this second time, am come your husband
to bring a ghastly doom on all the suitors.' At these
his words sweet slumber left me, and opening my eyes
I saw the geese about the buildings devouring corn be-
side the trough just as they used to do."
XIX. 554-587.] THE ODYSSEY. 313
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said:
*' Lady, the dream cannot be understood by wrest-
ing it to other meanings ; Odysseus surely has him-
self revealed what yet shall be. The suitors' over-
throw is plain : on all it falls ; none shall escape from
death and doom."
But heedful Penelope said to him once more :
" Stranger, in truth dreams do arise perplexed and
hard to tell, dreams which come not, in men's experi-
ence, to their full issue. Two gates there are for un-
substantial dreams, one made of horn and one of
ivory. The dreams that pass through the carved
ivory delude and bring us tales that turn to naught ;
those that come forth through polished horn accomplish
real things, whenever seen. Yet through this gate
came not I think my own strange dream. Ah, welcome,
were it so, to me and to my child ! But this I will say
farther ; mark it well. This is the fatal dawn which
parts me from Odysseus' home ; for now I shall pro-
pose a contest with the axes which when at home he
used to set in line, like trestles, twelve in all ; then he
would stand a great way off and send an arrow
through. This contest I shall now propose to all the
suitors. And whoever with his hands shall lightliest
bend the bow and shoot through all twelve axes, him
I wiU follow and forsake this home, this bridal home,
so very beautiful and full of wealth, a place I think I
ever shall remember even in my dreams."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Ο
honored wife of Laertes' son, Odysseus, delay no
longer this contest at the haU ; for wise Odysseus wiU
be here before the suitors, handling the polished bow,
can stretch the string and shoot an arrow through the
iron."
314 THE ODYSSEY. [XIX. 588-604.
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " Stranger, if
you were willing to sit beside me here and entertain
me, no sleep should ever fall upon my eyes. And yet
one cannot be forever without sleep ; for to each thing
the immortals fix a season, to be ordained for men
upon the fruitful earth. So I will go to my upper
chamber and lay me on my bed, which has become
for me a bed of sorrows, ever watered with my tears
since Odysseus went away to see accursed Ilios, —
name never to be named. There I must lie. Do you
lie in the hall. Make a bed upon the floor, or the
maids shall bring you bedding."
So saying, she went to her bright upper chamber,
yet not alone ; beside her went her waiting- women
too. And coming to the chamber with the maids, she
there bewailed Odysseus, her dear husband, till on
her lids clear-eyed Athene caused a sweet sleep to fall.
XX.
BEFORE THE SLAUGHTER.
Royal Odysseus made his bed within the porch.
Upon the floor he spread an untanned hide, and on it
many fleeces of the sheep which the Achaeans had
been slaying ; and when he had laid him down, Eury-
nome threw over him a cloak. So, meditating in his
heart how he might harm the suitors, here lay Odys-
seus sleepless. Forth from the hall came women who
had long been paramours of the suitors, now making
jests and merriment among themselves. The heart of
Odysseus stirred within, and in his mind and heart he
doubted much whether to hasten after and deal out
death to each, or to allow to the audacious suitors one
last and latest night. "Within him growled his spirit.
Even as a dog walks round her tender young, growl-
ing at any man she does not know and resolute to fight
him ; so within growled his spirit, wroth at these evil
deeds. But he smote upon his breast and thus re-
proved his heart :
" Bear up, my heart I A thing more hideous than
this you once endured with patience, that day the
Cyclops, unrestrained in fur^^, devoured your sturdy
comrades. Then you bore up till crafty planning
brought from the cave you who had thought to die."
So he spoke, chiding the very spirit in his breast ;
and therefore in obedience his heart held firm and
steadfast, yet he himself kept tossing to and fro. As
316 THE ODYSSEY. [XX. i5-G0.
when a man near a great glowing fire turns to and
fro a sausage, full of fat and blood, anxious to haΛ^e
it quickly roast ; so to and fro Odysseus tossed, and
23ondered how to lay hands upon the shameless suit-
ors, — he being alone, and they so many. Near him
Athene drew, descending out of heaven. In a wo-
man's form she stood beside his head, and thus ad-
dressed him :
" Why wakeful still, unhappiest of men ? This is
your home, and in this home your wife and child, even
such a son as others pray for."
But wise Odysseus answered her and said : *' In all
this, goddess, you speak rightly; and yet my heart
within is pondering how to lay hands upon the shame-
less suitors, — I being alone, while they are always
here together. A graver fear besides I ponder in my
mind ; suppose I slay them, by the aid of Zeus and
you, where shall I flee then ? Tell me this, I pray."
Then said to him the goddess, clear-eyed Athene :
" Ο doubter ! Men trust weaker friends, friends who
are mortal and not wise as I. I am a god and will
protect you to the end, through all your toils. And
let me tell you plainly : should fifty troops of mortal
men stand round about us, eager in the fight to slay,
you still might drive away from them their oxen
and sturdy sheep. Nay ! Nay I Let slumber come I
Evil it is to watch and wake aU the night long. You
shall come forth from peril yet."
So spoke she, and poured sleep upon his eyelids ;
and then the heavenly goddess departed to Olympus.
But as the slumber seized him, freeing his heart from
care, easing his members, his faithful wife awoke, and
sitting up in her soft bed began to weep. When she
had satisfied her heart with weeping, the royal lady
prayed, and first to Artemis :
XX. 61-95.] THE ODYSSEY.
" Ο honored goddess Artemis, daughter of Zeus
strike now I pray an arrow in my breast and tak
away my life this very instant ; or let a sweeping
storm bear me its windy way and cast me in the
streams of restless Ocean ! As when storms seized
Pandareos' daughters, whose parents gods had slain
and they were left at home as orphans, then goddess
Aphrodite brought them cheese, sweet honey and
pleasant wine ; Here endowed them, beyond all other
women, with beauty and understanding ; chaste Arte-
mis gave stature ; Athene taught them skill in honor-
able work. But while heavenly Aphrodite went to
high Olympus, to win the maids the final boon of
happy marriage, — a boon from Zeus, the Thunderer,
who understands all well, all fortunes good or ill of
mortal men, — the Harpies swept away the maids and
gave them over to be servants to the dread Avengers.
Even so may those who have their dwellings on Olym-
pus blot out me, or else may I receive a shaft from
fair-haired Artemis, that I may go to my dread grave
seeing Odysseus still, and never gladden heart of
meaner husband ! Yet ills like these are bearable if,
with a burdened heart, one weeps by day and then by
night has sleep. For such an one forgets all good
and ill when once the eyelids close. But as for me.
Heaven sends me cruel dreams. Again to-night there
lay beside me one like him, such as he was when he
departed with the army. My heart was glad. I said
it was no dream, but truth at last."
While she was speaking gold - throned morning
came. And as she wept, royal Odysseus heard her
voice and mused awhile. In his heart she seemed to
know him and to stand beside his head. Gathering
up the cloak and fleece in which he slept, he laid
THE ODYSSEY. [XX. 96-124.
liem in the hall upon a chair, carried the ox-hide out
ti doors and spread it down, and with uplifted hands
prayed thus to Zeus :
" Ο father Zeus, if of good will ye gods have led
me over field and flood to my own land, — though
ill ye brought me also, — let some one now awake
speak a good word indoors, and another sign from
Zeus be given outside the house ! "
So spoke he in his prayer, and wise Zeus heard him
and straightway thundered out of bright Olympus,
out of the clouds above. Royal Odysseus was made
glad. Moreover a woman grinding corn sent forth
an ominous cry out of the house hard by, where stood
the mills of the shepherd of the people. Twelve
women in all worked here, preparing barley-meal and
corn, men's marrow. The rest were sleeping, having
ground their wheat ; one only had not ended, for she
was very v/eak. She, stopping at last her mill, ut-
tered these words, an omen for her master :
" Ο father Zeus, who rulest over gods and men, loud
hast thou thundered from the starry sky, and no
cloud anywhere. Surely in this thou givest man a
sign. Then bring to pass for miserable me the words
I speak. May the suitors to-day for the last and
latest time hold their glad feast within Odysseus' hall !
They who Avith galling labor made my knees grow
weak, while I prepared them meal, may they now feast
their last! "
She spoke, and royal Odysseus was gladdened by
her cry and by the thunder of Zeus. He said that
woe was come upon the guilty.
And now the other handmaids of the goodly palace
of Odysseus came together and kindled on the hearth
a steady fire. Telemachus also, a mortal like a god,
XX. 125-156.] THE ODYSSEY. 319
rose from his bed, put on his clothes, slung his sharp
sword about his shoulder, under his shining feet bound
his fair sandals, then took his ponderous spear, tipped
with sharp bronze, and went and stood upon the
threshold, saying to Eurycleia :
" Good nurse, have you provided for the stranger
in the house comfort in bed and food ? Or does he
lie neglected ? That is my mother's way, wise though
she is. Blindly she honors one of the meaner sort,
and sends the better man away unhonored."
Then heedful Eurycleia answered: "Now do not
blame a blameless person, child ! He sat and drank
his wine as long as he inclined, and he said he wanted
no more bread ; she asked him that. And as soon as
he began to think of rest and sleep, she bade her dam-
sels spread his bed. Then he, like a man quite mean
and miserable, refused to sleep upon a bed and under
blankets, but on an undressed hide and fleecy sheep-
skins lay down within the porch. We put a cloak
upon him."
So she spoke ; and through the hall forth went Te-
lemachus, his spear in hand, two swift dogs following
after. He hastened to the assembly to join the mailed
Achaeans. But noble Eurycleia, daughter of Ops,
Peisenor's son, called to the women :
" Come, stir about and sweep the house and sprin-
kle it, and beat the purple coverings on the shapely
chairs. And others, take your sponges and wipe off
all the tables, and clean the mixing-bowls and well-
wrought double cups. And others still, go to the well
for water, and fetch it quickly here. It is not long
the suitors will be absent from the hall. They mil
be here right early. To-day is for them all a holi-
day."
320 THE ODYSSEY. [XX. 157-190.
She spoke, and very willingly they heeded and
obeyed. Twenty went to the dark well ; the others
plied their tasks with skill about the house. Soon
came the Achaeans' laboring men, who neatly and
skillfully split logs of wood ; there came the women
also, returning from the well. After them came the
swineherd, driving three fat hogs, the best of all his
herds. He let them feed about the pleasant yard,
and said to Odysseus kindly :
" Stranger, do the Achaeans look after you any
better, or do they still insult you in the hall, as at the
first?"
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Eu-
maeus, may the gods requite the wrongs which these
in their abominable pride work in a house not theirs !
They have no touch of shame."
So they conversed together. Melanthius now drew
near, the goatherd, driving the goats that were the
best of all his flock, to make the suitors' dinner. Two
shepherds followed after. He tied his goats under the
echoing portico and said to Odysseus rudely :
" Stranger, will you still be a nuisance in the house
and beg of people? Will you not quit our doors?
We never shall quite settle things, I think, until you
taste my fists. Beyond all decency you keep on beg-
ging. Surely there are Achaean feasts elsewhere."
He spoke, but not a word did wise Odysseus an-
swer. Silent he shook his head, brooding on evil.
A third now joined them, Philoetius, ever foremost,
and brought the suitors a barren cow and fatted goats.
The ferrymen brought them over, they who bring peo-
ple too, whenever anybody comes their way. He tied
the cattle carefully under the echoing portico and
drawing near the swineherd asked :
XX. 191-223.] THE ODYSSEY. 321
" Who is this stranger, swineherd, lately come, and
staying at the hall ? Out of what tribe does he pro-
fess to be ? AYliere are his kinsmen and his native
fields ? Poor man ! He seems in bearino- like a
lordly king. The gods may well send homeless people
troubles when even for kings they weave a web of
grief."
He spoke, and turning to Odysseus gave his right
hand in welcome, and speaking in winged words he
said : " Hail, good old stranger ! May happiness be
yours in time to come ! Now you are bound by many
ills. Ο father Zeus, none of the gods is cruder than
thou ! Thou carest not that men, when thou hast
given them birth, be plunged in misery and sharp dis-
tress. A sweat came over me in looking at the man ;
my eyes were filled with tears for memory of Odys-
seus ; for he also, I suppose, in just such tatters, is a
wanderer among men, — if he indeed yet lives and sees
the sunshine. But if he is already dead and in the
house of Hades, then woe is me for good Odysseus, who
gave me charge of cattle when I was but a boy in the
land of the Cephallenians. And now the herds have
grown enormously. No breed of broad-browed cattle
ever bladed better. But strangers bid me drive these
now for them to eat. For the son of the house they
do not care, nor do they tremble at the wrath of
gods ; but they are bent on parting out their long-
gone master's goods. And as for me, around one
point my heart within keeps turning : 't is very bad
while the son lives to go to the land of strangers, cattle
and all, to foreigners ; worse still to stay with stran-
gers' herds and sit about and suffer. Certainly long
ago I would have fled and found some other mighty
king, — life here cannot be borne, — but still I think
322 THE ODYSSEY. [XX. 224-252.
of that unfortunate, how he may come from some-
where, and make a scattering of the suitors up and
down the house."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said:
"Herdsman, because you do not seem a common,
senseless person, but I perceive wisdom is in your
heart, I will speak out and swear a solemn oath on
what I say : so first of all the gods be witness Zeus,
and let this hospitable table and the hearth of good
Odysseus whereto I come be witness ; while you are
here Odysseus shall return, and you with your own
eyes shall see him, if• you will, slaying the suitors who
now lord it here."
Then answered him the herdsman of the cattle:
" Ah stranger, may the son of Kronos fulfill these
words of yours I Then shall you know what might is
mine and how my hands obey."
So also did Eumaeus pray to all the gods that wise
Odysseus might return to his own home. So they con-
versed together.
Now for Telemachus the suitors had been plotting
death and doom. But toward them, on the left, a
bird came flying, a soaring eagle, clutching a timid
dove ; whereat Amphinomus called to them thus and
said:
" Ah friends, this plan of ours will not run well,
this murder of Telemachus. Let us rather turn to
feasting."
So said Amphinomus, and his saying pleased them.
Entering the house of princely Odysseus, they threw
their coats upon the couches and the chairs, and they
began to kill great sheep and fatted goats, to kill
sleek pigs and the heifer of the herd. They roasted
the inward parts and passed them round, and mixed
XX. 253-283.] THE ODYSSEY. 323
wine in the mixers. The swineherd passed the cups ;
Philoetius, ever foremost, handed them bread in goodly
baskets ; Melantheus poured the wine. So on the food
spread out before them they laid hands.
And now Telemachus, with crafty purj)ose, seated
Odysseus within the stately hall by the stone thresh-
old, providing him a common bench and little table.
He gave him portions of the inward parts and, pour-
ing him wine into a golden cup, he thus addressed
him :
" Sit here among the men and sip your wine, and I
will keep you from the taunts and blows of all the
suitors. This is no public house. It is Odysseus'
own, acquired for me. Therefore you suitors check
your taste for insult and abuse, or else there may be
strife and quarrel here."
He spoke, and all with teeth set in their lips mar-
veled because Telemachus had spoken boldly. Then
said Antinoiis, Eupeithes' son : " Harsh as it is, Achae-
ans, let us take the bidding of Telemachus. He
speaks with lofty threatening. Zeus, son of Kronos,
hindered, or long ago we in the hall had stopped him,
shrill talker though he be."
So said Antinoiis ; Telemachus did not heed his
words. For pages came, leading along the town a
hecatomb of cattle sacred to the gods. Long-haired
Achaeans, too, assembled in the shady grove of the
archer-king Apollo.
But when the rest had roasted the outer flesh and
drawn it off, dividing up the portions they held a fa-
mous feast. And those who served set for Odysseus
a portion quite as large as that they took themselves ;
for this was the bidding of Telemachus, the son of
princely Odysseus.
324 THE ODYSSEY. [XX. 284-316.
Yet Athene alloj¥ei._the_ haughty suitors„.not alto-
getner yet tojcease_ from. Htingv^ scorn. She wished
more pain to pierce the heart of'ljaertes' son, Odys-
seus. There was among the suitors a man of lawless
life; Ctesippus was his name; he lived in Same.
Proud of vast wealth, he wooed the wife of Odysseus,
long away. He it was now who thus addressed the
audacious suitors :
"Hearken, you haughty suitors, while I speak.
This stranger here awhile ago received a portion, and,
as was proper, one as large as ours ; for it is neither
honorable nor fitting to worry strangers who may
reach this palace of Telemachus. Come then and let
me also give a hospitable gift, and he shall have
wherewith to give a present to the bath-keeper or to
some servant of the house of great Odysseus."
So saying, he flung with his strong hand an ox-hoof
which lay near, taking it from the basket. Odysseus
with a quick turning of the head avoided it, and in
his heart smiled grimly. It struck the massive wall.
But Telemachus rebuked Ctesippus thus :
" Surely, Ctesippus, that was lucky for your life.
You missed our guest. He shunned your missile.
Else I had run you through the middle with my
pointed spear, and in the place of wedding-feast your
father had been busied with a funeral here. Let no
man in this house henceforth show rudeness ; for I
now mark and understand each deed, good deeds as
well as bad. Before, I was a child. And even yet
we bear what nevertheless we see, — sheep slain, wine
drunk, bread wasted, — for hard it is for one to cope
with many. Nay then, do me no more deliberate
wrong. But if you seek to slay me with the sword,
that I would choose : and better far were death than
XX. 317-350.] THE ODYSSEY. 325
constantly behold disgraceful deeds, strangers abused,
and damsels dragged to sbame through the fair pal-
ace."
So he spoke and all were hushed to silence ; but by
and by said Agelaiis, son of Damastor : " Friends, in
answering what is fairly said, none should be angry
and retort with spiteful words. Let none abuse the
stranger nor any of the servants in great Odysseus'
hall. But to Telemachus and his mother 1 would say
one friendly word ; perhaps it may find favor in the
mind of each. So long as your hearts hoped wise
Odysseus would return to his own home, it was no
harm to wait and hold the suitors at the palace. That
was the better way, if but Odysseus had returned and
reached his home once more. Now it is plain that
he will never come. Go then, sit down beside your
mother and plainly tell her this, to marry the man who
is the best and offers most. So shall you keep in
peace all that your father left, to eat and drink your
fill, and she shall guide the household of another."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Nay,
Agelaiis, by Zeus I swear and by the sufferings of
my father, who far away from Ithaca is dead or lost,
it is not I delay my mother's marriage ; indeed I urge
her to marry whom she will, I will give countless gifts.
But I hesitate to drive her forth, against her will, by
a compulsive word. God let that never be ! "
So spoke Telemachus, but Pallas Athene woke
uncontrollable laughter in the suitors. She turned
their wits awry. Now they would laugh as if with
others' faces, and blood-bedabbled was the flesh they
ate. Their eyes were filled with tears, their heart
felt anguish; and godlike Theoclymenus addressed
them thus :
326 THE ODYSSEY. [XX. 351-383,
*' Ah wretched men, what woe befalls you ? Night
shrouds your heads, your faces, and lower still, your
knees. Wild cries are kindled ; cheeks are wet with
tears ; walls and the fair mid-spaces drip with blood.
The porch is full, the court is full, of shapes that
haste to Erebus, down into darkness. The sun is
blotted from the heavens ; a foul fog covers all."
He spoke, and all burst into merry laughter ; and
thus began Eurymachus, the son of Poly bus : "A
crazy stranger this, new come from foreign lands!
Quick then, young men, and guide him out of doors,
off to the market, since he finds it here like night ! "
Then godlike Theocly menus made answer : " Eury-
machus, I do not ask a guide ; I have my eyes and
ears, and my two feet, and in my breast a steadfast
mind of no mean sort. By their aid I go forth, for
I perceive an evil approaching you which none shall
shun or flee, — nay, not a man among these suitors
who in the house of great Odysseus work wantonly
abominations to mankind."
So saying, forth he went out of the stately palace
and found Peiraeus, who received him kindly. Then
all the suitors, glancing at one another, began to tease
Telemachus by laughing at his guests, and a rude
youth would say :
" Telemachus, no man is more unfortunate in guests
than you. For instance, what a filthy vagabond is
this you keep, one always wanting bread and wine,
incapable of work or deeds of strength, simply a cum-
berer of the ground! And now this other fellow
stands up and plays the prophet. But if you would
heed me, the better w^ay were this ; to toss your guests
into a ship of many oars and pack them off to Sicily,
where they would fetch their price."
XX. 384-394.] THE ODYSSEY. 327
So said the suitors ; Telemachus did not heed tlieir
words. Silent he \\^atched his father, waiting ever till
he should lay hands on the shameless suitors.
Now having set her goodly seat just opposite the
door, the daughter of Icarius, heedful Penelope, at-
tended to the talk of all within the hall. With
laughter they prepared their dinner, — a pleasant meal,
such as they liked, — and many a beast was slaugh-
tered. But how could feast be more unwelcome than
the supper which a goddess and a valiant man were
soon to set before them ? For from the first they had
wrought deeds of shame.
XXI.
THE TKIAL OF THE BOW.
And now the goddess, clear-eyed Athene, put in the
mind of Icarius' daughter, heedful Penelope, to offer
to the suitors in the hall the bow and the gray steel,
as means of sport and harbingers of death. She
mounted the long stairway of her house, holding a
crooked key in her firm hand, — a goodly key of
bronze, having an ivory handle, — and hastened with
her damsels to a far-off room where her lord's treasure
lay, bronze, gold, and well- wrought steel. Here also
lay his curved bow and the quiver for his arrows, —
and many grievous shafts were in it still, — gifts which
a friend had given Odysseus when he met him once in
Lacedaemon, — Iphitus, son of Eurytus, a man like
the immortals. At Messene the two met, in the house
of wise Orsilochus. Odysseus had come hither to
claim a debt which the whole district owed him ; for
upon ships of many oars Messenians carried off from
Ithaca three hundred sheep together with their herds-
men. In the long quest for these, Odysseus took the
journey when he was but a youth ; for his father and
the other elders sent him forth. Iphitus, on the other
hand, was seeking horses ; for twelve mares had been
lost, which had as foals twelve hardy mules. These
afterwards became the death and doom of Iphitus
when he met the stalwart son of Zeus, the hero Her-
cules, who well knew deeds of daring ; for Hercules
XXI. 26-60.] THE ODYSSEY. 329
slew Ipliitus in his own house, altliougli his guest, and
recklessly did not regard the anger of the gods nor yet
the proffered table, but slew the man and kept at his
own hall the strong-hoofed mares. It was when seek-
ing these that Iphitus had met Odysseus and given
the bow which in old days great Eurytus was wont to
bear, and which on dying in his lofty hall he left his
son. To Iphitus, Odysseus gave a sharp-edged sword
and a stout spear, as the beginning of a loving friend-
ship. They never sat, however, at one another's table ;
ere that coidd be, the son of Zeus slew godlike Iphitus,
the son of Eurytus, who gave the bow. Royal Odys-
seus when going off to war in the black ships would
never take this bow. It always stood in its own place
at home, as a memorial of his honored friend. In his
own land he bore it.
Now when the royal lady reached this room and
stood on the oaken threshold, — which long ago the car-
penter had smoothed with skiU and leveled to the line,
fitting the posts thereto and setting the shining doors,
■ — then quickly from its ring she loosed the strap,
thrust in the key, and with a careful aim shot back
the door-bolts. As a bull roars when feeding in the
field, so roared the goodly door touched by the key,
and open flew before her. She stepped to a raised
dais where stood some chests in which lay fragrant
garments. Thence reaching up, she took from its peg
the bow in the glittering case which held it. And
now she sat her down and laid the case upon her lap
and loudly weeping drew her lord's bow forth. But
when she had had her fill of tears and sighs, she has-
tened to the hall to meet the lordly suitors, bearing in
hand the curved bow and the quiver for the arrows,
and many grievous shafts were in it still. Beside her,
330 THE ODYSSEY. [XXI. 61-95.
damsels bore a box in whicli lay many a piece of steel
and bronze, implements of her lord's for games like
tbese. And when the royal lady reached the suitors,
she stood beside a column of the strong-built roof,
holding before her face her delicate wimple, the while
a faithful damsel stood upon either hand. And
straightway slie addressed the suitors, speaking thus :
" Hearken, you haughty suitors who beset this house,
eating and drinking ever, now my husband is long
gone ; no word of excuse can you suggest except your
wish to marry me and win me for your wife. Well
then, my suitors, — since before you stands your prize,
— I offer you the mighty bow of prince Odysseus ;
and whoever with his hands shall lightliest bend the
bow and shoot through all twelve axes, him I will fol-
low and forsake this home, this bridal home, so very
beautiful and full of wealth, a place I think I ever
shall remember, even in my dreams."
So saying, she bade Eumaeus, the noble swine-
herd, deliver to the suitors the bow and the gray
steel. With tears Eumaeus took the arms and laid
them down before them. Near by, the neatherd also
wept to see his master's bow. But Antinoiis rebuked
them, and spoke to them and said :
" You stupid boors, who only mind the passing
minute, wretched pair, what do you mean by shedding
tears, troubling this lady's heart, when already her heart
is prostrated with grief at losing her dear husband ?
Sit down and eat in silence, or else go forth and weep,
but leave the bow behind, a dread ordeal for the suit-
ors ; for I am sure this polished bow will not be bent
with ease. There is not a man of all now here so
powerful as Odysseus. I saw him once myself and
well recall him, though I was then a child."
XXI. 96-127.] THE ODYSSEY. 331
He spoke, but in his breast his heart was hoping to
draw the string and send an arrow through the steel ;
yet he was to be the first to taste the shaft of good
Odysseus, whom he now wronged though seated in his
hall, while to like outrage he encouraged all his com-
rades. To these now spoke revered Telemachus :
" Ha ! Zeus the son of Kronos has made me play
the fool ! My mother, — and wise she is, — says she
will follow some strange man and quit this house ;
and I but laugh and in my silly soul am glad. Come
then, you suitors, since before you stands your prize,
a lady whose like cannot be found throughout Achaean
land, in sacred Pylos, Argos, or Mycenae, in Ithaca
itself, or the dark mainland, as you yourselves well
know, — what needs my mother praise ? — come then,
delay not with excuse nor longer hesitate to bend the
bow, but let us learn what is to be. I too might try
the bow. And if I stretch it and send an arrow
through the steel, then with no shame to me my
honored mother may forsake this house and follow
some one else, leaving me here behind ; for I shall
then be able to wield my father's arms."
He spoke, and flung his red cloak from his shoul-
ders, rising full height, and put away the sharp sword
also from his shoulder. First then he set the axes,
marking one long furrow for them all, aligned by cord.
The earth on the two sides he stamped down flat.
Surprise filled all beholders to see how properly he
set them, though he had never seen the game before.
Then he went and stood upon the threshold and began
to try the bow. Three times he made it tremble as
he sought to make it bend. Three times he slacked
his strain, still hoping in his heart to draw the string
and send an arrow through the steel. And now he
332 THE ODYSSEY. [XXI. 128-158.
might have drawn it by force of a fourth tug, had
not Odysseus shook his head and stayed the eager
boy. So to the suitors once more spoke revered Te-
lemachus :
" Fie ! Shall I ever be a coward and a weakling,
or am I still but young and cannot trust my arm to
right me with the man who wrongs me first? But
come, you who are stronger men than I, come try the
bow and end the contest."
So saying, he laid by the bow and stood it on the
ground, leaning it on the firm-set polished door. The
swift shaft, too, he likewise leaned against the bow's
fair knob, and once more took the seat from which he
first arose. Then said to them Antinoiis, Eupeithes'
son:
" Rise up in order all, from left to right, beginning
where the cupbearer begins to pour the wine."
So said Antinoiis, and his saying pleased them.
Then first arose Leiodes, son of Oenops, who was
their soothsayer and had his place beside the goodly
mixer, farthest along the hall. To him alone their
lawlessness was hateful ; he abhorred the suitor crowd.
He it was now who first took up the bow and the swift
shaft ; and going to the threshold, he stood and tried
the bow. He could not bend it. Tugging the string
wearied his hands, his soft, unhorny hands ; and to
the suitors thus he spoke :
"No, friends, I cannot bend it. Let some other
take the bow. Ah, many chiefs this bow shall rob
of life and breath! Yet better far to die than live
and still to fail in that for which we constantly are
gathered, waiting expectantly from day to day ! Now
each man hopes and purposes at heart to win Pene-
lope, Odysseus' wife. But when he shall have tried
XXI. 159-187.] THE ODYSSEY. 333
the bow and seen his failure, then to some other fair-
robed woman of Achaea let each go, and offer her his
suit and woo her with his gifts. So may Penelope
marry the man who gives her most and comes with
fate to favor ! "
When he had spoken, he laid by the bow, leaning
it on the firm-set polished door. The swift shaft, too,
he likewise leaned against the bow's fair knob, and
once more took the seat from which he first arose.
But Antinoiis rebuked him, and spoke to him, and
said:
"Leiodes, what words have passed the barrier of
your teeth ? Strange words and harsh ! Vexatious
words to hear ! As if this bow must rob our chiefs
of life and breath because you cannot bend it ! Why,
your good mother did not bear you for a brandisher
of bows and arrows. But others among the lordly
suitors will bend it by and by."
So saying, he gave an order to Melanthius, the goat-
herd : " Hasten, Melantheus, and light a fire in the
hall and set a long bench near, with fleeces on it ; then
bring me the large cake of fat which lies inside the
door, that after we have warmed the bow and greased
it well, we young men try the bow and end the con-
test."
He spoke, and straightway Melanthius kindled a
steady fire, and set a bench beside it with a fleece
thereon, and brought out the large cake of fat which
lay inside the door, and so the young men warmed the
bow and made their trial. But yet they could not bend
it ; they fell far short of power. Antinoiis, however,
still held back, and prince Eurymachus, who were
the suitors' leaders ; for they in manly excellence were
quite the best of all.
334 THE ODYSSEY. [XXI. 188-220.
Meanwhile out of the house at the same moment
came two men, princely Odysseus' herdsmen of the
oxen and the swine ; and after them came royal Odys-
seus also from the house. And when they were out-
side the gate, beyond the yard, speaking in gentle
words Odysseus said :
" Neatherd, and you too, swineherd, may I tell a
certain tale, or shall I hide it still ? My heart bids
speak. How ready would you be to aid Odysseus if
he should come from somewhere, thus, on a sudden,
and a god should bring him home? Would you sup-
port the suitors or Odysseus ? Speak freely, as your
heart and spirit bid you speak."
Then said to him the herdsman of the cattle :
" Ο father Zeus, grant this my prayer ! May he re-
turn and Heaven be his guide ! Then shall you know
what might is mine and how my hands obey."
So prayed Eumaeus too to all the gods, that wise
Odysseus might return to his own home. So when he
knew with certainty the heart of each, finding his
words once more Odysseus said :
" Lo, it is I, through many grievous toils now in
the twentieth year come to my native land ! And
yet I know that of my servants none but you desires
my coming. From all the rest I have not heard
one prayer that I return. To you then I will truly
tell what shall hereafter be. If God by me subdues
the lordly suitors, I will obtain you wives and give
you wealth and homes established near my own ;
and henceforth in my eyes you shall be friends and
brethren of Telemachus. Come then and I will show
you too a very trusty, sign, — that you may know me
certainly and be assured in heart, -=- the scar the boar
dealt long ago with his white tusk, when I once jour-
neyed to Parnassus with Autolycus' sons."
XXI. 221-250.] THE ODYSSEY. 335
So saying, he drew aside his rags from the great
scar. And when the two beheld and understood it
all, their tears burst forth ; they threw their arms
round wise Odysseus and passionately kissed his face
and neck. So likewise did Odysseus kiss their heads
and hands. And daylight had gone down upon their
weeping had not Odysseus stayed their tears and
said:
" Have done with grief and wailing, or some-
body in coming from the hall may see, and tell the
tale indoors. Nay, go in one by one, not all together.
I will go first, you after. And let this be agreed :
the rest within, the lordly suitors, will not allow me
to receive the bow and quiver. But, noble Eumaeus,
bring the bow along the room and lay it in my hands.
Then tell the women to lock the hall's close-fitting
doors ; and if from their inner room they hear a
moaning or a strife within our walls, let no one ven-
ture forth, but stay in silence at her work. And,
noble Philoetius, in your care I put the court-yard
gates. Bolt with the bar and quickly lash the fasten-
ing."
So saying, Odysseus made his way into the stately
house, and went and took the seat from which he first
arose. And soon the serving-men of princely Odys-
seus entered too.
Now Eurymachus held the bow and turned it up
and down, trying to heat it at the glowing fire. But
still, with all his pains, he could not bend it ; his proud
soul groaned aloud. Then bitterly he spoke ; these
were the words he said :
" Ah ! here is woe for me and woe for all ! Not
that I so much mourn missing the marriage, though
vexed I am at that. Still, there are enough more
336 THE ODYSSEY. [XXI. 251-284.
women of Acliaea, both here in sea-girt Ithaca and in
the other cities. But if in strength we fall so short
of princely Odysseus that we cannot bend his bow —
oh, the disgrace for future times to know ! "
Then said Antinoiis, Eupeithes' son : " Not so,
Eurymachus, and you yourself know better. To-day
throughout the land is the archer -god's high feast.
Who then could bend a bow ? Nay, quietly lay it by ;
and for the axes, what if we leave them standing ?
Nobody, I am sure, will carry one away and trespass
on the house of Laertes' son, Odysseus. Come then,
and let the wine-pourer give pious portions to our
cups, that after a libation we may lay aside curved
bows. To-morrow morning tell Melanthius, the goat-
herd, to drive us here the choicest goats of all his
flock ; and we will set the thighs before the archer-
god, Apollo, then try the bow and end the contest."
So said Antinoiis, and his saying pleased them.
Pages poured water on their hands ; young men
brimmed bowls with drink and served to all, with a
first pious portion for the cups. And after they had
poured and drunk as their hearts would, then in his
subtlety said wise Odysseus :
" Hearken, you suitors of the illustrious queen, and
let me tell you what the heart within me bids. I beg
a special favor of Eurymachus, and great Antinoiis
too ; for his advice was wise, that you now drop the
bow and leave the matter with the gods, and in the
morning God shall grant the power to whom he may.
But give me now the polished bow, and let me in your
presence prove my skill and power and see if I have
yet such vigor left as once there was within my sup-
ple limbs, or whether wanderings and neglect have
ruined all."
XXI. 285-317.] THE ODYSSEY. 337
At these his words all were exceeding wroth, fear-
ing that he might bend the polished bow. But Anti-
noiis rebuked him, and spoke to him and said : " You
scurvy stranger, with not a whit of sense, are you not
satisfied to eat in peace with us, your betters, unstinted
in your food and hearing all we say ? Nobody else,
stranger or beggar, hears our talk. 'T is wine that
goads you, honeyed wine, a thing that has brought
others trouble, when taken greedily and drunk without
due measure. Wine crazed the Centaur, famed Eu-
rytion, at the house of bold Peirithoiis, on his visit to
the Lapithae. And when his wits were crazed with
wine, he madly wrought foul outrage on the household
of Peirithoiis. So indignation seized the heroes.
Through the porch and out of doors they rushed,
dragging Eurytion forth, shorn by the pitiless sword
of ears and nose. Crazed in his wits, he went his way,
bearing in his bewildered heart the burden of his
guilt. And hence arose a feud between the Centaurs
and mankind ; but the beginning of the woe he him-
self caused by wine. Even so I prophesy great harm
to you, if you shall bend the bow. No kindness will
you meet from any in our land, but we will send you
by black ship straight to king Echetus, the bane of
all mankind, out of whose hands you never shall come
clear. Be quiet, then, and take your drink ! Do not
presume to vie with younger men ! "
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " Antinoiis, it
is neither honorable nor fitting to worry strangers
who may reach this palace of Telemachus. Do you
suppose the stranger, if he bends the great bow of
Odysseus, confident in his skill and strength of arm,
will lead me home and take me for his wife ? He in
his inmost soul imagines no such thing. Let none of
338 THE ODYSSEY. [XXI. 318-353.
you sit at the table disturbed by such a thought ; for
that could never, never, be ! "
Then answered her Eurymachus, the son of Poly-
bus : " Daughter of Icarius, heedful Penelope, we do
not think the man will marry you. Of course that
could not be. And yet we dread the talk of men and
women, and fear that one of the baser sort of the
Achaeans say : ' Men far inferior sue for a good man's
wife, and cannot bend his polished bow. But some-
body else, — a wandering beggar, — came, and easily
bent the bow and sent an arrow through the steel.'
This they will say, to us a shame indeed."
Then said to him heedful Penelope ; " Eurymachus,
men cannot be in honor in the land and rudely Tob
the household of their prince. Why then count this
a shame? The stranger is right tall, and well-knit
too, and calls himself the son of a good father» Give
him the polished bow, and let us see. For this I
tell you, and it shall be done : if he shall bend it and
Apollo grants his prayer, I will clothe him in a coat
and tunic, goodly garments, give him a pointed spear
to keep off dogs and men, a two-edged sword, and
sandals for his feet, and I will send him where his
heart and soiu may bid him go."
Then answered her discreet Telemachus : " My
mother, no Achaean has better right than I to give or
to refuse the bow to any as I will. And out of all
who rule in rocky Ithaca, or in the islands off to-
ward grazing Elis, none may oppose my will, even if I
wished to put the bows into the stranger's hands and
let him take them once for all away. Then seek your
chamber and attend to matters of your own, — the
loom, the distaff, — and bid the women ply their
tasks. Bows are for men, for all, especially for me ;
for power within this house rests here."
XXI. 354-385.] THE ODYSSEY. 339
Amazed, she turned to her own room again, for the
wise saying of her son she laid to heart. And com-
ing to the upper chamber with her maids, she there
bewailed Odysseus, her dear husband, till on her lids
clear-eyed Athene caused a sweet sleej^ to fall.
Meanwhile the noble swineherd, taking the curved
bow, was bearing it away. But the suitors all broke
into uproar in the hall, and a rude youth would say :
" Where are you carrying the curved bow, you miser-
able swineherd ? Crazy fool ! Soon out among the
swine, away from men, swift dogs shall eat you, —
dogs you yourself have bred — will but Apollo and
the other deatliless gods be gracious ! "
At these their words the bearer of the bow laid it
down where he stood, frightened because the crowd
within the hall cried out upon him. But from the
other side Telemachus called threateningly aloud :
" Nay, father ! Carry on the bow ! You cannot well
heed all. Take care, or I, a nimbler man than you,
will drive you to the fields with pelting stones. Supe-
rior in strength I am to you. Ah, would I were as
much beyond the others in the house, beyond these
suitors, in my skill and strength of arm ! Then
would I soon send somebody away in sorrow from my
house ; for men work evil here."
He spoke, and all burst into merry laughter and
laid aside their bitter anger with Telemachus. And
so the swineherd, bearing the bow along the hall,
drew near to wise Odysseus and put it in his hands ;
then calling aside nurse Eurycleia, thus he said :
" Telemachus bids you, heedful Eurycleia, to lock
the hall's close-fitting doors ; and if a woman from
the inner room hears moaning or a strife within our
walls, let her not venture forth, but stay in silence
at her work."
340 THE ODYSSEY. [XXI. 386-417.
Such were his words ; unwinged, they rested with
her. She locked the doors of the stately hall. Then
silently from the house Philoetius stole forth and
straightway barred the gates of the fenced court.
Beneath the portico there lay a curved ship's cable,
made of byblus plant. With this he lashed the gates,
then passed indoors himself, and went and took the
seat from which he first arose, eying Odysseus. Now
Odysseus already held the bow and turned it round
and round, trying it here and there to see if worms had
gnawed the horn while its lord was far away. And
glancing at his neighbor one would say :
" A sort of fancier and a trickster with the bow this
fellow is. No doubt at home he has himself a bow
like that, or means to make one like it. See how
he turns it in his hands this way and that, ready for
mischief, — rascal ! "
Then would another rude youth answer thus : " Oh
may he always meet with luck as good as when he is
unable now to bend the bow ! "
So talked the suitors. Meantime wise Odysseus,
when he had handled the great bow and scanned it
closely, — even as one well-skilled to play the lyre and
sing stretches with ease round its new peg a string,
securing at each end the twisted sheep-gut ; so with-
out effort did Odysseus string the mighty bow. Hold-
ing it now with his right hand, he tried its cord ; and
clear to the touch it sang, voiced like the swallow.
Great consternation came upon the suitors. All faces
then changed color. Zeus thundered loud for signal.
And glad was long-tried royal Odysseus to think the
son of crafty Kronos sent an omen. He picked up a
swift shaft which lay beside him on the table, drawn.
Within the hollow quiver still remained the rest, which
XXI. 418^34.] THE ODYSSEY. 341
the Achaeans soon should prove. Then laying the
arrow on the arch, he drew the string and arrow
notches, and forth from the bench on which he sat
let fly the shaft, with careful aim, and did not miss
an axe's ring from first to last, but clean through all
sped on the bronze-tipped arrow ; and to Telemachus
he said :
" Telemachus, the guest now sitting in your hall
brings you no shame. I did not miss my mark, nor
in the bending of the bow make a long labor. My
strength is sound as ever, not what the mocking suit-
ors here despised. But it is time for the Achaeans
to make supper ready, while it is daylight still ; and
then for us in other ways to make them sport, —
with dance and lyre ; for these attend a feast."
He spoke and frowned the sign. His sharp sword
then Telemachus girt on, the son of princely Odys-
seus ; clasped his right hand around his spear, and
close beside his father's seat he took his stand, armed
with the gleaming bronze.
XXII.
THE SLAUGHTER OF THE SUITORS.
Then wise Odysseus threw off his rags and sprang
to the broad threshold, bow in hand and quiver full
of arrows. Out he poured the swift shafts at his feet,
and thus addressed the suitors :
" So the dread ordeal ends ! Now to another mark
I turn, to hit what no man ever hit before, will but
Apollo grant my prayer."
He spoke, and aimed a pointed arrow at Antinoiis.
The man was in the act to raise his goodly goblet, —
gold it was and double-eared, — and even now guided it
in his hands to drink the wine. Death gave his heart
no care. For who could think that in this company
of feasters one of the crowd, however strong, could
bring upon him cruel death and dismal doom ? But
Odysseus aimed an arrow and hit him in the throat ;
right through his tender neck the sharp point passed.
He sank down side wise ; from his hand the goblet fell
when he was hit, and straightway from his nose ran a
thick stream of human blood. Roughly he pushed
his table back, kicking it with his foot, and scattered
off the food upon the floor. The bread and roasted
meat \vere thrown away. Into a tumult broke the
suitors round about the hall when they saw the fallen
man. They sprang from their seats and, hurrying
through the hall, peered at the massive walls on every
side. But nowhere was there shield or ponderous
XXII. 26-55.] THE ODYSSEY. 343
spear to seize. Then they assailed Odysseus with in-
dignant words :
" Stranger, to your sorrow you turn your bow on
men ! You never shall take part in games again.
Swift death awaits you ; for you have killed the leader
of the noble youths of Ithaca. To pay for this, vul-
tures shall eat you here ! " >
So each one spoke ; they thought he had not meant
to kill the man. They foolishly did not see that for
them one and all destruction's cords were knotted.
But looking sternly on them wise Odysseus said :
" Dogs ! You have been saying all the time I never
should return out of the land of Troy ; and there-
fore you destroyed m}^ home, outraged my women-
servants, and, — I alive, — covertly wooed my wife,
fearing no gods that hold the open sky, nor that the
indignation of mankind would fall on you hereafter.
Now for you one and all destruction's cords are
knotted ! "
As he spoke thus, pale fear took hold mi all. Each
peered about to flee from instant death. Only Eury-
machus made answer, saying :
" If you indeed be Ithacan Odysseus, now returned,
justly have you described what the Achaeans have
been doing, — full many crimes here at the hall and
many in the field. But there at last lies he who was
the cause of all, Antinoiis ; for it was he who set us
on these deeds, not so much needing and desiring
marriage, but with this other purpose, — which the
son of Kronos never granted, — that in the settled
land of Ithaca he might himself be king, when he
should treacherously have slain your son. Now he is
justly slain. But spare your people, and we here-
after, making you public recompense for all we drank
344 THE ODYSSEY. [XXII. 56-88.
and ate here at the hall, will pay a fine of twenty
oxen each and give you bronze and gold enough to
warm your heart. Till this is done, we cannot blame
your wrath."
But looking sternly on him, wise Odysseus said:
" Eurymachus, if you would give me all your father's
goods, and all your own, and all that you might gather
elsewhere, I would not stay my hands from slaying
until the suitors paid the price of all their lawless
deeds. It lies before you then to fight or flee, if any
man will save himself from death and doom. But
some here will not flee, I think, from instant death."
As he spoke thus, their knees grew feeble and their
very souls ; but Eurymachus called out a second time :
" Come, friends, the man will not hold back his ruth-
less hands ; but having got possession of a polished
bow and quiver, he will shoot from the smooth thresh-
old until he kills us all. Let us then turn to fighting.
Draw swords, and hold the tables up against his
deadly arrows ! Have at him all together ! Perhaps
we may dislodge him from the threshold and the door,
then reach the town and quickly raise the alarm. So
would the fellow soon have shot his last."
So saying, he drew his sharp two-edged bronze
sword and sprang upon Odysseus with a fearful cry.
But on the instant royal Odysseus shot an arrow and
hit him in the breast beside the nipple, fixing the
swift bolt in his liver. Out of his hand his sword
dropped on the ground, and he himseK, sprawling
across the table, bent and fell, spilling the food and
double cup upon the floor. With his brow he beat
the pavement in his agony of heart, and with his
kicking shook the chair. Upon his eyes gathered the
mists of death.
XXII. 89-117.] THE ODYSSEY. 345
But Amphinomus assaulted glorious Odysseus, and
dashing headlong forward drew his sharp sword, hop-
ing to make Odysseus yield the door. But Telema-
chus was quick and struck him with his brazen spear
upon the back, between the shoulders, and drove the
spear-point through his chest. He fell with a thud and
struck the ground flat with his forehead. Telemachus
sprang back and left the long spear sticking in Am-
phinomus ; for he feared if he should draw the long
spear out, an Achaean might attack him, rushing on
him with his sword, and as he stooped might stab
him. So off he ran and hastily went back to his dear
father; and standing close beside him, he said in
winged words :
"Now, father, I will fetch a shield and pair of
spears, and a brazen helmet also, fitted to your brow.
And I will go and arm myself, and give some armor
to the swineherd and to the neatherd too ; for to be
armed is better."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Run !
Bring the arms while I have arrows to defend me, or
they wiU drive me from the door when I am left
alone."
He spoke, and Telemachus heeded his dear father,
and hastened to the chamber where the glittering
armor lay. Out of the store he chose four shields,
eight spears, and four bronze helmets having horse-
hair plumes. These he bore off and hastily went back
to his dear father. Telemachus first girt his body
with the bronze, then the two servants likewise girt
themselves in goodly armor, and so all took their
stand by Odysseus, keen and crafty.
He, just as long as he had arrows to defend him,
shot down a suitor in the hall with every aim, and
346 THE ODYSSEY. [XXII. 118-147.
side by side they fell. Then when his arrows failed
the princely bowman, he leaned the bow against the
door-post of the stately room, letting it stand beside
the bright face-wall, and he too slung a fourfold shield
about his shoulders, put on his sturdy head a shapely
helmet, horsehair-plumed, — grimly the crest above it
nodded, — and took in hand two ponderous spears
pointed with bronze.
Now in the solid wall there was a postern-door ; and
level with the upper threshold of the stately hall, an
opening to a passage, closed with jointed boards.
Odysseus ordered the noble swineherd to guard this
postern-door and in its neighborhood to take his
stand, since this was the only exit. But to the suitors
said Agelaiis, speaking his words to aU :
" Friends, could not one of you climb by the
postern-door and tell our people, and quickly raise
the alarm ? So would the fellow soon have shot his
last."
Then said to him Melanthius the goatherd : " No,
heaven-descended Agelaiis, that may in no wise be ; for
the good court-yard door is terribly near at hand, and
the mouth of the passage-way is narrow. One person
there, if resolute, could bar the way for all. Yet I
will fetch you from the chamber arms to wear ; for
there, I think, and nowhere else, Odysseus stored the
armor, — he and his gallant son."
So having said, Melanthius, the goatherd, climbed
to the chambers of Odysseus through the vent-holes of
the hall. Out of the store he chose twelve shields, as
many spears, and just as many brazen helmets having
horsehair plumes ; then turning back, he brought
them very quickly and gave them to the suitors. And
now did Odysseus' knees grow feeble and his very
XXII. 148-181.] THE ODYSSEY, 347
soul, when he saw them donning arms and waving in
their hands long spears. Large seemed his task;
and straightway to Telemachus he spoke these winged
words :
" Surely, Telemachus, a woman of the house aids
the hard fight against us ; or else it is Melantheus."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " Father,
the fault is mine ; no other is to blame ; for I it was
who opened the chamber's tight-shut door and left it
open. Their watchman was too good. But, noble
Eumaeus, go and close the chamber-door, and see if
any woman has a hand in this, or if, — as I suspect, —
it is the son of Dolius, Melantheus."
So they conversed together. And now Melanthius,
the goatherd, went to the room again to fetch more
goodly armor. The noble swineherd spied him, and
quickly to Odysseus, standing near, he said :
" High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, there
is the knave whom we suspected, just going to the
chamber. Speak plainly ; shall I kill him if I prove
the better man, or shall I bring him here to pay for
all the crimes he plotted in your house ? "
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Here
in the hall Telemachus and I will hold the lordly suit-
ors, rage they as they may. You two tie the man's
feet and hands and drag him within the chamber ;
there fasten boards upon his back, and lashing a
twisted roj^e around him hoist him aloft, up the tall
pillar, and bring him to the beams, that he may keep
alive there long and suffer grievous torment."
So he spoke, and willingly they heeded and obeyed.
They hastened to the chamber, unseen of him within.
He was engaged in searching after armor in a corner
of the room, while the pair stood beside the door-
348 THE ODYSSEY. [XXII. 182-212.
posts, one on either hand, and waited. Soon as Melan-
thius the goatherd crossed the threshold, in one hand
bearing a goodly helmet and in the other a broad
old shield beflecked with mould, — the shield of lord
Laertes, which he carried in his youth, now laid away,
its strap-seams parted, — then on him sprang the two
and dragged him by the hair within the door, threw
him all horror-stricken to the ground, bound hands
and feet together with a galling cord, which tight
and fast they tied, as they were ordered by Laertes'
son, long-tried royal Odysseus ; then they lashed a
twisted rope around and hoisted him aloft, up the tall
pillar, and brought him to the beams ; and mocking
him said you, swineherd Eumaeus :
" Now then, Melan thins, you shall watch the whole
night long, stretched out on such a comfortable bed
as suits you well. The early dawn out of the Ocean-
stream shall not in golden splendor slip unheeded by,
when you should drive goats for the suitors at the hall
to make their meal."
Thus was he left there, fast in deadly bonds. The
pair put on their armor, closed the shining door and
went to join Odysseus, keen and crafty. Here they
stood, breatliing fury, four of them on the threshold,
although within the hall were many men of might.
But near them came Athene, the daughter of Zeus,
likened to Mentor in her form and voice. To see her
made Odysseus glad, and thus he spoke :
" Mentor, save us from ruin ! Remember the good
comrade who often aided you. You are of my own
years."
He said this, though he understood it was Athene,
the summoner of hosts. But the suitors shouted from
the other side, down in the hall ; and foremost in
abuse was Agelaiis, son of Damastor :
XXII. 213-245.] THE ODYSSEY. 349
" Mentor, do not let Odysseus lure you by his words
to fight the suitors and to lend him aid ; for I am
sure even then we still shall work our wilL And
after we have slain these men, father and son, you too
shall die beside them for deeds you thought to do
within the hall. Here with your head you shall make
due amends. And when with the sword we have cut
short your power, whatever goods you have, within
doors and without, we will confound with the posses-
sions of Odysseus. We will not let your sons and
daughters live at home, nor let your true wife linger
in the town of Ithaca."
As he spoke thus, Athene grew more wroth in spirit
and chid Odysseus with these angry words : " Odys-
seus, you have no longer such firm power and spirit
as when for the sake of white-armed high-born Helen
you fought the Trojans nine years long unflinchingly,
and vanquished many men in mortal combat, and by
your wisdom Priam's wide-wayed city fell. Why,
now returned to home and wealth and here confronted
with the suitors, do you shrink from being brave?
Nay, nay, good friend, stand by my side, watch what
I do, and see how, in the presence of the foe, Mentor,
the son of Alcimus, repays a kindness."
She spoke, but gave him not quite yet the victory
in fuU. Still she made trial of the strength and spirit
both of Odysseus and his valiant son. Up to the
roof -beam of the smoky hall she darted like a swallow,
resting there.
Now the suitors were led by Agelaus, son of Da-
mastor, by Eurynomus, Amphimedon, and Demopto-
lemus, by Peisander, son of Polyctor, and wise Poly-
bus ; for these in manly excellence were quite the best
of all who still were living, fighting for their lives.
350 THE ODYSSEY. [XXII. 246-276.
The rest the bow and storm of arrows had laid low.
So to these men said Agelaiis, speaking his words to
all:
" Now, friends, at last the man shall hold his ruth-
less hands ; for Mentor has departed after uttering
idle boasts, and the men at the front door are left
alone. So hurl your long spears, but not all together !
Now then, six let fly first; and see if Zeus allows
Odysseus to be hit and us to win an honor. No
trouble about the rest when he is down ! "
He said, and all to whom he spoke let fly their
spears with power. Athene made all vain. One
struck the doorpost of the stately hall ; one the tight-
fitting door ; another's ashen shaft, heavy with bronze,
crashed on the wall. And when the men were safe
from the suitors' spears, then thus began long-tried
royal Odysseus :
" Friends, let me give the word at last to our side
too. Let fly your spears into the crowd of suitors,
men who seek to slay and strip us, adding this to
former wrongs ! "
He spoke, and all with careful aim let fly their
pointed spears. Odysseus struck down Demoptole-
mus ; Telemachus, Euryades ; the swineherd, Elatus ;
and the herdsman of the cattle, Peisander. All these
together bit the dust of the broad floor, the other suit-
ors falling back from hall to deep recess. Odysseus'
men sprang forward and from the bodies of the dead
pulled out the spears.
And now the suitors again let fly their pointed
spears Avith power. Athene made them for the most
part vain. One struck the doorpost of the stately
hall ; one the tight-fitting door ; another's ashen shaft,
heavy with bronze, crashed on the wall. But Amphi-
XXII. 277-305.] THE ODYSSEY. 351
inedon wounded Telemachus on the wrist of the right
hand, though slightly ; the metal tore the outer skin.
And Ctesippus with his long spear grazed Eumaeus
on the shoulder which showed above his shield ; the
spear flew past and fell upon the ground.
Once more the men beside Odysseus, keen and
crafty, let fly their sharp spears on the crowd of suit-
ors. And now by Odysseus, the spoiler of cities,
Eurydamas was hit ; by Telemachus, Amphimedon ;
by the swineherd, Polybus ; and afterwards the herds-
man of the cattle hit Ctesippus in the breast and
cried in triumph :
" Ha, son of Polytherses, ready mocker, never again
give way to folly and big words ! Leave boasting to
the gods ; they are stronger far than you. This gift
offsets the hoof you gave to great Odysseus a little
while ago, when in his house he played the beggar
man."
So spoke the herdsman of the crook-horned kine.
Then Odysseus wounded Damastor's son with his long-
spear, when fighting hand to hand. Telemachus
wounded Evenor's son, Leiocritus, with a spear-thrust
in the middle of the waist, and drove the point clean
through. He fell on his face and struck the ground
flat with his forehead. And now Athene from the
roof above stretched forth her murderous aegis.
Their souls were panic-stricken. They scurried
through the hall like herded cows, on whom the
glancing gadfly falls and maddens them, in spring-
time when the days are long. And as the crook-
clawed hook-beaked vultures, descending from the
hills, dart at the birds which fly the clouds and skim
the plain, while the vultures pounce and kill them;
defense they have not and have no escape, and men
352 THE ODYSSEY. [XXII. 306-336.
are merry at their capture ; so the four chased the
suitors clown the hall and smote them right and left.
There went up moans, a dismal sound, as skulls were
crushed and aU the pavement ran with blood.
But Leiodes, rushing forward, clasped Odysseus by
the knees, and spoke imploringly these winged words :
" I clasp your knees, Odysseus ! Oh, respect and spare
me ! For I protest I never harmed a woman of the
house by wicked word or act. No ! and I used to try
to stop the rest, — the suitors, — when one of them
would do such deeds. But they were not inclined to
hold their hands from wrong. So through their own
perversity they met a dismal doom ; and I, their sooth-
sayer, although I did no ill, must also fall. There is
no gratitude for good deeds done ! "
Then looking sternly on him wise Odysseus said :
" If you avow yourself their soothsayer, many a time
you must have prayed within the hall that the issue of
a glad return might be delayed for me, while my dear
wife should follow you and bear you children. There-
fore you shall not now avoid a shameful death."
So saying, he seized in his sturdy hand a sword
that lay near by, a sword which Agelaiis had dropped
upon the ground when he was slain, and drove it
through the middle of Leiodes' neck. While he yet
sj)oke, his head rolled in the dust.
But the bard, the son of Terpes, still had escaped
dark doom, — Phemius, who sang perforce among the
suitors. He stood, holding the tuneful lyre in his
hands, close to the postern-door ; and in his heart he
doubted whether to hasten from the hall to the mas-
sive altar of great Zeus, guardian of courts, and take
his seat where oftentimes Laertes and Odysseus had
burned the thighs of beeves ; or whether he should
XXII. 337-369.] THE ODYSSEY. 353
ruu and clasp Odysseus by the knees. Reflecting
thus, it seemed the better way to touch the knees of
Laertes' son, Odysseus. He laid his hollow lyre upon
the ground, midway between the mixer and the silver-
studded chair, ran forward to Odysseus, clasped his
knees, and spoke imploringly these winged words :
*' I clasp your knees, Odysseus ! Oh, respect and
spare me ! To you yourself hereafter grief will come,
if you destroy a bard who sings to gods and men.
SeK-taught am I ; God planted in my heart all kinds
of song ; and I had thought to sing to you as to a god.
Then do not seek to slay me. Telemachus, your own
dear son, will say how not through will of mine, nor
seeking gain, I lingered at your palace, singing to the
suitors at their feasts ; for being more and stronger
men than I, they brought me here by force."
AYhat he had said revered Telemachus heard, and
he quickly called to his father who was standing near :
" Hold ! For the man is guiltless. Do not stab him
with the sword ! And let us also spare Medon, the
page, who here at home used to have charge of me
while I was still a child, — unless indeed Philoetius or
the swineherd slew him, or he encountered you as you
stormed along the hall."
AYhat he was saying Medon, that man of under-
standing, heard ; for he lay crouching underneath a
chair, wrapped in a fresh-flayed ox's hide, seeking to
shun dark doom. Straightway he rose from underneath
the chair, quickly cast off the hide, sprang forward to
Telemachus, clasped his knees, and cried imploringly
in winged words :
" Friend, stay your hand ! It is I ! And speak to
your father, or exidting in his sharp sword he will
destroy me out of indignation at the suitors, who
354 THE ODYSSEY. [XXII. 370-402.
wasted the possessions in his halls and in their folly
paid no heed to you."
But wise Odysseus, smiling, said : " Be of good
cheer, for he has cleared and saved you ; that in your
heart you may perceive and may report to others how
much more safe is doing good than iU, But both of
you leave the hall and sit outside, out of this blood-
shed, in the court, — you and the full-voiced bard, —
till I have accomplished in the house all that I still
must do."
Even as he spoke, the pair went forth and left the
hall, and both sat down by the altar of great Zeus,
peering about on every side as still expecting death.
Odysseus too peered round his hall to see if any liv-
ing man were lurking there, seeking to shun dark
doom. He found them all laid low in blood and dust,
and in such numbers as the fish which fishermen draw
to the shelving shore out of the foaming sea in meshy
nets ; these all, sick for the salt sea wave, lie heaped
upon the sands, while the resplendent sun takes life
away ; so lay the suitors, heaped on one another. And
now to Telemachus said wise Odysseus :
*' Telemachus, go call nurse Eurycleia, that I may
speak to her the thing I have in mind."
He spoke, and Telemachus heeded his dear father
and, shaking the door, said to nurse Eurycleia : " Up !
aged woman, who have charge of all the damsels in
our hall ! Come hither ! My father calls and wants
to speak with you."
Such were his words ; unwinged, they rested with
her. Opening the doors of the stately hall, she en-
tered. Telemachus led the way. And there among
the bodies of the slain she found Odysseus, dabbled
with blood and gore, like a lion come from feeding
XXII. 403-436.] THE ODYSSEY. 355
on some stall-fed ox ; its wliole breast and its cheeks
on either side are bloody ; terrible is the beast to see ;
so dabbled was Odysseus, feet and hands. And when
she saw the bodies and the quantity of blood, she
was ready to cry aloud at the sight of the mighty deed.
But Odysseus held her back and stayed her madness,
and speaking in winged words he said :
" Woman, be glad within ; but hush, and make no
cry. It is not right to glory in the slain. The gods'
doom and their reckless deeds destroyed them ; for
they respected nobody on earth, bad man or good,
who came among them. So through their own per-
versity they met a dismal doom. But name me now
the women of the hall, and tell me who dishonor me
and who are guiltless."
Then said to him his dear nurse Eurycleia : " Then
I will tell you, child, the very truth. You have fifty
women-servants at the hall whom we have tau^iht their
tasks, to card the wool and bear the servant's lot.
Out of these women, twelve in all have gone the way
of shame, paying no heed to me nor even to Pene-
lope. It is but lately Telemachus has come to man-
hood, and his mother has never suffered him to rule
the maids. But let me go above, to the bright upper
chamber, and tell your wife, whom a god has laid
asleep."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Do
not awake her yet ; tell those women to come here
who in the past behaved unworthily."
So he spoke, and through the hall forth the old
woman went, to give the message to the maids and bid
them come with speed. Meanwhile Odysseus, calling
to his side Telemachus, the neatherd, and the swine-
herd, spoke to them thus in winged words :
356 THE ODYSSEY. [XXII. 437-469•
"Begin to carry off the dead, and bid the women
aid you ; then let them clean the goodly chairs and
tables with water and porous sponges. And when you
have set in order all the house, lead forth these serv-
ing-maids out of the stately hall to a spot between the
round-house and the neat court-yard wall, and smite
them with your long swords till you take life from all ;
and so they may forget the love they had among the
suitors, when they would meet them unobserved."
He spoke, and the women came, trooping along
together, in bitter lamentation, letting the big tears
fall. First they carried out the bodies of the dead
and laid them by the portico of the fenced court, pilmg
them there one on another. Odysseus gave the orders
and hastened on the work, and only because compelled
the maids bore off the bodies. Then afterwards they
cleaned the goodly chairs and tables with water and
porous sponges. Telemachus, the neatherd and the
swineherd with shovels scraped the pavement of the
strong-built room, and the maids took up the scrapings
and threw them out of doors. And when they had
set in order all the hall, they led the serving-maids
out of the stately hall to a spot between the round-
house and the neat court-yard wall, and there they
shut them in a narrow space whence there was no
escape. Then thus began discreet Telemachus :
"By no honorable death would I take away the
lives of those who poured reproaches on my head and
on my mother, and lay beside the suitors."
He spoke, and tied the cable of a dark-bowed ship
to a great pillar, then lashed it to the round-house,
stretching it high across, too high for one to touch
the feet upon the ground. And as the wide-winged
thrushes or the doves strike on a net set in the bushes \
XXII. 470-501.] THE ODYSSEY. 357
and when they think to go to roost a cruel bed re-
ceives them ; even so the women held their heads in
line, and around every neck a noose was laid, that
they might die most vilely. They twitched their feet
a little, but not long.
Then forth they led Melanthius across the porch
and yard. With ruthless sword they lopped his nose
and ears, pulled out his bowels to be eaten raw by
dogs, and in their rage cut off his hands and feet.
Afterwards washing clean their own hands and their
feet, they went to meet Odysseus in the house, and aU
the work was done. But to his dear nurse Eurycleia
said Odysseus : " Woman, bring sulplr .r, a protection
against harm, and bring me fire to fumigate the hall.
And bid Peneloi^e come hither with her women, and
order all the maids throughout the house to come."
Then said to him his dear nurse Eurycleia : " Truly,
my child, in all this you speak rightly. Yet let me
fetch you clothes, a coat and tunic. And do not, with
this covering of rags on your broad shoulders, stand in
the hall. That would be cause for blame."
But w^ise Odysseus answered her and said ; " First
let a fire be lighted in the hall."
At these his words, his dear nurse Eurycleia did not
disobey, but brought the fire and sulphur. Odysseus
fumigated all the hall, the buildings and the court.
And now the old woman passed through the goodly
palace of Odysseus to take his message to the maids
and bid them come with speed. Out of their room
they came, with torches in their hands. They gath-
ered round Odysseus, hailing him with delight.
Fondly they kissed his face and neck, and held him
by the hand. Glad longing fell upon him to weep and
cry aloud. All these he knew were true.
xxm.
THE RECOGNITION BY PENELOPE.
So the old woman, full of glee, went to the upper
chamber to tell her mistress her dear lord was in the
house. Her knees grew strong; her -feet outran
themselves. By Penelope's head she paused, and
thus she spoke :
" Awake, Penelope, dear child, to see with your own
eyes what you have hoped to see this many a day !
Odysseus is here ! He has come home at last, and slain
the haughty suitors, — the men who vexed his house,
devoured his substance, and oppressed his son."
Then heedful Penelope said to her : " Dear nurse,
the gods have crazed you. They can befool one who
is very wise, and often they have set the simple in the
paths of prudence. They have confused you ; you
were sober-minded heretofore. Why mock me when
my heart is full of sorrow, telling wild tales like these ?
And why arouse me from the sleep that sweetly bound
me and kept my eyelids closed ? I have not slept so
soundly since Odysseus went away to see accursed
Ilios, — name never to be named. Nay then, go
down, back to the hall. If any other of my maids
had come and told me this and waked me out of
sleep, I would soon have sent her off in sorry wise
into the hall once more. This time age serves you
well."
Then said to her the good nurse Eurycleia : " Dear
XXIII. 26-57.] THE ODYSSEY. 359
child, I do not mock you. In very truth it is Odys-
seus ; he is come, as I have said. He is the stranger
whom everybody in the hall has set at naught. Te-
lemachus knew long ago that he was here, but out of
prudence hid his knowledge of his father till he
should have revenge from these bold men for wicked
deeds."
So spoke she ; and Penelope was glad, and, spring-
ing from her bed, fell on the woman's neck, and let
the tears burst from her eyes ; and, speaking in winged
words, she said : " Nay, tell me, then, dear nurse, and
tell me truly ; if he is really come as you declare, how
was it he laid hands upon the shameless suitors, being
alone, while they were always here together ? "
Then answered her the good nurse Eurycleia: "I
did not see ; I did not ask ; I only heard the groans
of dying men. In a corner of our protected chamber
we sat and trembled, — the doors were tightly closed,
— until your son Telemachus called to me from the
hall ; for his father bade him call. And there among
the bodies of the slain I found Odysseus standing.
All around, covering the trodden floor, they lay, one
on another. It would have warmed your heart to see
him, like a lion, dabbled with blood and gore. Now
all the bodies are collected at the courtyard gate,
while he is fumigating the fair house by lighting a
great fire. He sent me here to call you. Follow me,
then, that you may come to gladness in your true
hearts together, for sorely have you suffered. Now
the long hope has been at last fulfilled. He has come
back alive to his own hearth, and found you still, you
and his son, within his hall ; and upon those who did
him wrong, the suitors, on all of them here in his
home he has obtained revenge."
360 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIII. 58-91.
Then heedful Penelope said to her : " Dear nurse,
be not too boastful yet, nor filled with glee. You
know how welcome here the sight of him would be to
all, and most to me and to the son we had. But this
is no true tale you tell. Nay, rather some immortal
slew the lordly suitors, in anger at their galling inso-
lence and wicked deeds ; for they respected nobody
on earth, bad man or good, who came among them.
So for their sins they suffered. But Odysseus, far
from Achaea, lost the hope of coming home ; nay, he
himself was lost."
Then answered her the good nurse Eurycleia : " My
child, what word has passed the barrier of your teeth,
to say your husband, who is now beside your hearth,
will never come! Your heart is always doubting.
Come, then, and let me name another sign most sure,
— the scar the boar dealt long ago with his white tusk.
I found it as I washed him, and I would have told you
then ; but he laid his hand upon my mouth, and in
his watchful wisdom would not let me speak. But
follow me. I stake ray very life ; if I deceive you,
slay me by the vilest death."
Then heedful Penelope answered her : " Dear nurse,
't is hard for you to trace the counsels of the everlast-
ing gods, however wise you are. Nevertheless, let us
go down to meet my son, and see the suitors who are
dead, and him who slew them."
So saying, she went from her chamber to the hall,
and much her heart debated whether aloof to ques-
tion her dear husband, or to draw near and kiss his
face and take his hand. But when she entered, cross-
ing the stone threshold, she sat down opposite Odys-
seus, in the firelight, beside the farther wall. He sat
by a tall pillar, looking down, waiting to hear if his
XXIII. 92-124] THE ODYSSEY. 361
stately wife would speak when she should look his
way. But she sat silent long ; amazement filled her
heart. Now she would gaze with a long look upon
his face, and now she would not know him for the
mean clothes that he wore. But Telemachus rebuked
her, and spoke to her and said :
" Mother, hard mother, of ungentle heart, why do
you hold aloof so from my father, and do not sit beside
him, plying him with words and questions ? There is
no other woman of such stubborn spirit to stand off
from the husband who, after many grievous toils,
comes in the twentieth year home to his native land.
Your heart is always harder than a stone ! "
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " My child,
my sold within is dazed with wonder. I cannot speak
to him, nor ask a question, nor look him in the face.
But if this is indeed Odysseus, come at last, we cer-
tainly shall know each other better than others know ;
for we have signs which we two understand, — signs
hidden from the rest."
As she, long tried, spoke thus, royal Odysseus
smiled, and said to Telemachus forthwith in winged
words : " Telemachus, leave your mother in the hall
to try my truth. She soon will know me better.
Now, because I am foul and dressed in sorry clothes,
she holds me in dishonor, and says I am not he. But
you and I have yet to plan how all may turn out well.
For whoso kills one man among a tribe, though the
man leaves few champions behind, becomes an exile,
quitting kin and country. We have destroyed the
pillars of the state, the very noblest youths of Ithaca.
Form, then, a plan, I pray."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus: "Look
you to that, dear father. Your wisdom is, they say,
362 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIII. 125-160.
the best among mankind. No mortal man can rival
you. Zealously will we follow, and not fail, I think,
in daring, so far as power is ours."
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Then
I will tell you what seems best to me. First wash and
put on tunics, and bid the maids about the house array
themselves. Then let the sacred bard with tuneful
lyre lead us in sportive dancing, that men may say,
hearing us from without, 'It is a wedding,' whether
such men be passers-by or neighboring folk ; and so
broad rumor may not reach the town about the suit-
ors' murder till we are gone to our well-wooded farm.
There will we plan as the Olympian shall grant us
wisdom."
So he spoke, and willingly they heeded and obeyed.
For first they washed themselves and put on tunics,
and the women also put on their attire. And then the
noble bard took up his hollow lyre, and in them stirred
desire for merry music and the gallant dance ; and
the great house resounded to the tread of lusty men
and gay-girt women. And one who heard the dancing
from Avithout would say, '' Well, well ! some man has
married the long-courted queen. Hard-hearted ! For
the husband of her youth she would not guard her
great house to the end, till he should come." So they
would say, but knew not how things were.
Meanwhile within the house Eurynome, the house-
keeper, bathed resolute Odysseus and anointed him
with oil, and on him put a goodly robe and tunic.
Upon his face Athene cast great beauty ; she made
him taller than before, and stouter to behold, and
made the curling locks to fall around his head as on
the hyacinth flower. As when a man lays gold
on silver, — some skillful man whom Hephaestus and
XXIII. 161-191.] THE ODYSSEY. . 363
Pallas Athene have trained in every art, and he fash-
ions graceful work ; so did she cast a grace upon his
head and shoulders. Forth from the bath he came,
in bearing like the immortals, and once more took
the seat from which he first arose, facing his wife, and
spoke to her these words :
"Lady, a heart impenetrable beyond the sex of
women the dwellers on Olympus gave to you. There
is no other woman of such stubborn spirit to stand
off from the husband who, after many grievous toils,
comes in the twentieth year home to his native land.
Come, then, good nurse, and make my bed, that I may
lie alone. For certainly of iron is the heart within
her breast."
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " Nay, sir, I
am not proud, nor contemptuous of you, nor too much
dazed with wonder. I very well remember what you
were when you went upon your long-oared ship away
from Ithaca. However, Eurycleia, make up his mas-
sive bed outside that stately chamber which he himself
once built. Move the massive frame out there, and
throw the bedding on, — the fleeces, robes, and bright-
hued rugs."
She said this in the hope to prove her husband ;
but Odysseus spoke in anger to his faithful wife :
" Woman, these are bitter words which you have said !
Who set my bed elsewhere ? A hard task that would
be for one, however skilled, — unless a god should come
and by his will set it with ease upon some other spot ;
but among men no living being, even in his prime,
could lightly shift it ; for a great token is inwrought
into its curious frame. I built it ; no one else. There
grew a thick-leaved olive shrub inside the yard, full-
grown and vigorous, in girth much like a pillar.
364 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIII. 192-223.
Round this I formed my chamber, and I worked till
it was done, building it out of close-set stones, and
roofing it over well. Framed and tight-fitting doors
I added to it. Then I lopped the thick-leaved olive's
crest, cutting the stem high up above the roots, neatly
and skillfully smoothed with my axe the sides, and to
the line I kept all true to shape my post, and with an
auger I bored it all along. Starting with this, I fash-
ioned me the bed tiU it was finished, and I inlaid it
well with gold, with silver, and with ivory. On it I
stretched a thong of ox-hide, gay with purple. This
is the token I now tell. I do not know whether the
bed still stands there, wife, or whether somebody has
set it elsewhere, cutting the olive trunk."
As he spoke thus, her knees grew feeble and her
very soul, when she recognized the tokens which Odys-
seus exactly told. Then bursting into tears, she ran
straight toward him, threw her arms round Odysseus'
neck and kissed his face, and said :
" Odysseus, do not scorn me ! Ever before, you
were the wisest of mankind. The gods have sent us
sorrow, and grudged our staying side by side to share
the joys of youth and reach tlie threshold of old age.
But do not be angry with me now, nor take it ill
that then when I first saw you I did not greet you
thus ; for the heart within my breast was always
trembling. I feared some man might come and cheat
me with his tale. Many a man makes wicked schemes
for gain. Nay, Argive Helen, the daughter of Zeus,
would not have given herself to love a stranger if she
had known how warrior sons of the Achaean s would
bring her home again, back to her native land. And
yet it was a god prompted her deed of shame. Be-
fore, she did not cherish in her heart such sin, such
XXIIl. 224-257.] THE ODYSSEY. 365
grievous sin, from which began the woe which
stretched to us. But now, when you have clearly told
the tokens of our bed, which no one else has seen, but
only you and I and the single servant, Actoris, whom
my father gave me on my coming here to keep the
door of our closed chamber, — you make even my un-
gentle heart believe."
So she sj)oke, and stirred still more his yearning
after tears ; and he began to weep, holding his loved
and faithful wife. As when the welcome land appears
to swimmers, whose sturdy shij) Poseidon wrecked at
sea, confounded by the winds and solid waters ; a few
escape the foaming sea and swim ashore ; thick salt
foam crusts their flesh ; they climb the welcome land,
and are escaped from danger; so welcome to her gaz-
ing eyes appeared her husband. From round his neck
she never let her white arms go. And rosy-fingered
dawn had found them weej)ing, but a different j^lan
the goddess formed, clear-eyed Athene. She checked
the long night in its passage, and at the Ocean-stream
she stayed the gold-throned dawn, and did not suffei
it to yoke the swift-paced horses which carry light
to men, Lampus and Phaeton which bear the dawn.
And now to his wife said wise Odysseus :
" Ο wife, we have not reached the end of all our
trials yet. Hereafter comes a task immeasurable,
long and severe, which I must needs fulfill ; for so
the spirit of Teiresia-s told me, that day when I de-
scended to the house of Hades to learn about the
journey of my comrades and myself. But come, my
wife, let us to bed, that there at last we may refresh
ourselves with pleasant sleep."
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " The bed shall
be prepared whenever your heart wills, now that the
366 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIII. 258-292.
gods have let you reach your stately house and native
land. But since you speak of this, and God inspires
your heart, come, tell that trial. In time to come, I
know, I shall experience it. To learn about it now,
makes it no worse."
Then wise Odysseus answered her and said : " Lady,
why urge me so insistently to tell ? Well, I will
speak it out ; I will not hide it. Yet your heart will
feel no joy ; I have no joy myself ; for Teiresias bade
me go to many a peopled town, bearing in hand a
shapely oar, till I should reach the men that know no
sea and do not eat food mixed with salt. These,
therefore, have no knowledge of the red-cheeked ships,
nor of the shapely oars which are the wings of ships.
And this was the sign, he said, easy to be observed.
I will not hide it from you. When another traveler,
meeting me, should say I had a winnowing-fan on my
white shoulder, there in the ground he bade me fix my
oar and make fit offerings to lord Poseidon, — a ram,
a bull, and the sow's mate, a boar, — and, turning
homeward, to offer sacred hecatombs to the immortal
gods who hold the open sky, all in the order due.
And on myself death from the sea shall very gently
come and cut me off, bowed down with hale old age.
Round me shall be a prosperous people. All this, he
said, should be fulfilled."
Then said to him heedful Penelope : " If gods can
make old age the better time, then there is hope
there will be rest from trouble."
So they conversed together. Meanwhile, Eurynome
and the nurse prepared their bed with clothing soft,
under the light of blazing torches. And after they
had spread the comfortable bed, with busy speed, the
old woman departed to her room to rest ; while the
XXIII. 293-324.] THE ODYSSEY. 367
chamber-servant, Eurynome, with torch in hand,
walked on before, as they two came to bed. She
brought them to their chamber, and then she went her
way. So they came gladly to their old bed's rites.
And now Telemachus, the neatherd and the swine-
herd stayed their feet from dancing, and bade the
women stay, and all betook themselves to rest through-
out the dusky halls.
So when the pair had joyed in happy love, they
joyed in talking too, each one relating : she, the royal
lady, what she endured at home, watching the waste-
ful throng of suitors, who, making excuse of her,
slew many cattle, beeves, and sturdy sheep, and stores
of wine were drained from out the casks ; he, high-
born Odysseus, what miseries he brought on other
men and what he bore himself in anguish, — all he
told, and she was glad to listen. No sleep fell on her
eyelids till he had told her all.
He began with how at first he conquered the Cico-
nians, and came thereafter to the fruitful land of
Lotus-eaters ; then what the Cyclops did, and how he
took revenge for the brave comrades whom the Cy-
clops ate and never pitied ; then how he came to
Aeolus, who gave him hearty welcome and sent him
on his way ; but it was fated that he should not
reach his dear land yet, for a sweeping storm bore
him once more along the swarming sea, loudly la-
menting ; how he came to Telepylus in Laestrygonia,
where the men destroyed his ships and his mailed
comrades, all of them ; Odysseus fled in his black
ship alone. He told of Circe, too, and all her crafty
guile ; and how on a ship of many oars he came to
the mouldering house of Hades, there to consult the
spirit of Teiresias of Thebes, and looked on all his
368 THE ODYSSEY. [XXill. 325-357.
comrades, and on the mother who had borne him and
cared for him when little ; how he had heard the full-
voiced Sirens' song ; how he came to the Wandering
Kocks, to dire Charybdis and to Scylla, past whom
none goes unharmed ; how then his crew slew the
Sun's kine ; how Zeus with a blazing bolt smote his
swift ship, — Zeus, thundering from on high, — and
his good comrades perished, utterly, all, while he
escaped their evil doom ; how he came to the island of
Ogygia and to the nymph Calypso, who held him in
her hollow grotto, wishing him to be her husband,
cherishing him, and saying she would make him an
immortal, young forever, but she never beguiled the
heart within his breast ; then how he came through
many toils to the Phaeacians, who honored him ex-
ceedingly, as if he were a god, and brought him on
his way to his own native land, giving him stores of
bronze and gold and clothing. This w^as the latest
tale he told, when pleasant sleep fell on him, easing
his limbs and from his heart removing care.
Now a new plan the goddess formed, clear-eyed
Athene, when in her mind she judged Odysseus had
enough of love and sleep. Straightway from out the
Ocean-stream she roused the gold-throned dawn, to
bring the light to men. Odysseus was aroused from
his soft bed, and gave his wife this charge :
" Wife, we have had in days gone by our fill of
trials : you, mourning here my grievous journey home ;
me, Zeus and the other gods bound fast in sorrow, all
eager as I was, far from my native land. But since
we now have reached the rest we long desired to-
gether, do you protect whatever wealth is still within
my halls. As for the flocks which the audacious
suitors wasted, I shall myself seize many, and the
XXIII. 358-372.] THE ODYSSEY. 369
Achaeans shall give me more besides, until they fill
my folds. But now I go to the well-wooded farm, to
visit my good father, who for my sake has been in
constant grief. On you, my wife, wise as you are, I
lay this charge. Straight with the sunrise a report
will go abroad about the suitors whom I slew here in
the hall. Then go to the upper chamber with your
waiting-women. There abide. Give not a look to
any one, nor ask a question."
He sj)oke, and girt his beautiful arms about his
shoulders ; and he awoke Telemachus, the neatherd
and the swineherd, and bade them all take weapons in
their hands for fighting. They did not disobey, but
took their brazen harness. They opened the doors ;
they sallied forth ; Odysseus led the way. Over the
land it was already light, but Athene, hiding them in
darkness, led them swiftly from the town.
XXIV.
PEACE.
Meanwhile Cyllenian Hermes summoned hence
the spirits of the suitors. In his hand he held a
wand, beautiful, made of gold, with which he charms
to sleep the eyes of whom he will, while again whom
he will he wakens out of slumber. With this he
started them and led them forth ; they followed gib-
bering after. As in a corner of a monstrous cave
the bats fly gibbering, when one tumbles from the
rock out of the cluster as they cling together ; so gib-
bering, these moved together. Protecting Hermes
was their guide down the dank pathway. Past the
Ocean-stream they went, past the White Rock, past
the portals of the Sun and land of dreams, and
soon they reached the field of asphodel, where spirits
dwell, spectres of worn-out men.
Here they came upon the spirit of Achilles, son of
Peleus, and of Patroclus too, of gallant Antilochus,
and of Ajax, who was first in beauty and in stature of
all the Danaans after the gallant son of Peleus.
These formed a group around Achilles; to whom
approached the spirit of Agamemnon, son of Atreus,
sorrowing. Around thronged other spirits of men
who by his side had died in the house of Aegisthus
and there had met their doom. And the spirit of the
son of Peleus first addressed him :
XXIV. 24-55.] THE ODYSSEY. 371
"Ο son of Atreus, tliroughout your life we said
you were exceeding dear to Zeus, the Thunderer, be-
yond all other heroes, because you were the lord of
many mighty men there in the land of Troy where
we Achaeans suffered ; yet all too early you were
doomed to meet fell fate, which no one that is born
avoids. Ah, would that, in the pride of your full
power, there in the land of Troy you had met death
and doom ! Then woidd the whole Achaean host have
made your grave, and for your son in after days a
great name had been gained. Now you must be cut
off by an inglorious death."
Then said to him the spirit of the son of Atreus :
"Fortunate son of Peleus, godlike Achilles, who died
at Troy, afar from Argos ! Around you others fell,
the Trojans' and Achaeans' bravest sons, battling be-
cause of you ; while in a cloud of dust proud you lay
proudly, all your horsemanship forgotten. All through
the day we battled, and never would have stopped our
fighting had Zeus himself not stopped us with a storm.
And after we had borne you to the ships from out the
fight, we laid you on a bier and washed your comely
body with warm water and with oil. The Danaans
standing round you shed many burning tears, and
cut their hair. Out of the sea came forth j^our
mother, with the immortal sea nymphs, when she
heard the tale, while over the water ran a wondrous
wail, and secret trembling fell on all the Achaeans.
Then all had hastened off and boarded the hollow
ships, if one had not detained them who was wise in
ancient lore, Nestor, whose counsel had before been
proved the best. He with good will addressed them
thus, and said : ' Hold, Argives ! Do not flee, you
young Achaeans ! It is his mother coming from the
872 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIV. 56-83.
sea with the immortal nymphs to look on her dead
son.' By these his words the bold Achaeans were with-
held from flight ; while round you stood the daughters
of the old man of the sea, lamenting bitterly, and
with immortal robes they clad your body. Mean-
time the Muses, nine in all, with sweet responsive
voices sang your dirge. Then not an Argive could
you see but was in tears ; the piercing song so deeply
moved them. For seventeen days, alike by night and
day, we mortal men and deathless gods continued
mourning. On the eighteenth we gave you to the
flames. Many fat sheep we slew beside you, and
many crook-horned kine. In vesture of the gods you
burned, with much anointing oil and much sweet
honey. Many Achaean heroes moved in their armor
round your blazing pyre, footmen and charioteers, and
a loud din arose. And when at length Hephaestus'
flame had made an end of you, at dawn we gathered
your white bones, Achilles, laid in pure wine and oil.
Your mother gave the golden urn ; a gift, she said, of
Dionysus, and handiwork of famed Hephaestus. In
this your white bones lie, illustrious Achilles, mingled
with those of dead Patroclus, son of Menoetius, and
parted from Antilochus, whom you regarded more
than all your other comrades, excepting dead Patro-
clus. Over them all the powerful host of Argive spear-
men built a great stately tomb at a projecting point on
the broad Hellespont, so that it might be seen far off
upon the sea by men who now are born or shall be
born hereafter. Your mother, having besought the
gods for splendid prizes, offered them in the open lists
to the bravest of the Achaeans. In former days you
have been present at the burial of many a hero, when
at a king's death young men girt themselves and
XXIV. 89-121.] THE ODYSSEY. 373
strove for prizes ; but here you would have marveled
in your heart far more to see the splendid prizes
offered in your honor by silver-footed Thetis ; for you
were very dear to all the gods. Thus though you died,
you did not lose your name ; but ever among mankind,
Achilles, your glory shall be great. While as for me,
what gain had I in winding up the war ? On ray
return Zeus purposed me a miserable end, at the hands
of Aegisthus and my accursed wife."
So they conversed 'together. And now the Guide
approached, the Speedy-comer, leading the spirits of
the suitors whom Odysseus slew. Amazed, the two
drew near to see ; and the spirit of Agamemnon, son
of Atreus, perceived the son of Melaneus, renowned
Amphimedon ; for Melaneus of Ithaca was once his
entertainer. Then thus began the spirit of the son
of Atreus :
" Amjihimedon, what has happened that you come
to this dreary land, all of you chosen men and all
alike in years? One who would pick the best men of
a town would choose no others. AVas it on shipboard
that Poseidon smote you, raising ill winds and heavy
seas ? Or did fierce men destroy you on the land,
while you were cutting off their kine or their fair
flocks of sheep, or while you fought to win their town
and carry off their women ? Tell what I ask ! I
call myself your friend. Do you not recollect how I,
with godlike Menelaus, came to your house to urge
Odysseus to follow us to Ilios on the well-benched
ships? A whole month long we spent, crossing the
open sea, and found it hard to win the spoiler of
towns, Odysseus."
Then answered him the spirit of Amphimedon :
" Great son of Atreus, Agamemnon, lord of men,
374 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIV. 122-154.
all. that you say, heaven-favored one, I recollect; and
I in turn will very plainly tell how a cruel end of
death befell us. We wooed the wife of long gone
Odysseus. She neither declined the hated suit nor
did she end it, because she planned for us death and
dark doom. This was the last pretext she cunningly
devised : within the hall she set up a great loom and
went to weaving ; fine was the web and very large ;
and then to us said she : ' Young men who are my
suitors, though royal Odysseus now is dead forbear
to urge my marriage till I complete this robe, — its
threads must not be wasted, — a shroud for lord
Laertes, against the time when the fell doom of death
that lays men low shall overtake him. Achaean wives
about the land, I fear, might give me blame if he
should lie without a shroud, he who had great posses-
sions.' Such were her words, and our high hearts
assented. Then in the daytime would she weave at
the great web, but in the night unravel, after her
torch was set. Thus for three years she hid her craft
and cheated the Achaeans. But when the fourth
year came, as time rolled on, when the months waned
and the long days were done, then at the last one
of her maids, who knew full well, confessed, and we
discovered her unraveling the splendid web ; so then
she finished it, against her will, perforce. When she
displayed the robe, after weaving the great web
and washing it, like sun or moon it shone. And
then some hostile god guided Odysseus, — whence I
know not, — to the confines of our country, where the
swineherd has his home. Thither the son of royal
Odysseus also came, returning by black ship from
sandy Pylos. And when the two had planned the
suitors' cruel death, they entered our famous town ;
XXIV. 155-190.] THE ODYSSEY, 375
Odysseus later, Telemachus coming on before. The
swineherd brought Odysseus, who wore a sorry garb,
like an old and wretched beggar, leaning upon a staff.
Upon his back were miserable clothes, and none of us
could know him as he suddenly appeared, not even
our older men ; but we assailed him with harsh words
and missiles. A while he bore with patience this
pelting and abuse in his own house ; but when at last
the will of aegis-bearing Zeus aroused him, he and
Telemachus gathered the goodly weapons and put
them in the store-room, fastening the bolts. Then,
full of craft, he bade his wife deliver to the suitors
the bow and the gray steel, to be to us ill-fated men
means for our sport and harbingers of death. Not one
of us could draw the string of the strong bow ; we fell
far short of power. But when the great bow reached
Odysseus' hands, we shouted all together not to give
the bow, whatever he might say. Telemachus alone
urgently bade him take it. Then long-tried royal
Odysseus took the bow in hand, bent it with ease, and
sent an arrow through the steel. Advancing to the
threshold, there he stood and poured out the swift
arrows, glaring terribly around. He shot down
prince Antinoiis, and then on others turned his
grievous shafts, Λ^άth careful aim, and side by side
they fell. Soon it was seen some god was the men's
ally ; for straightway rushing down the hall, with all
their might they smote us right and left. Then went
up moans, a dismal sound, as skulls were crushed and
all the pavement ran with blood. Thus we died,
Agamemnon ; and still uncared-for in Odysseus' halls
our bodies lie. Our friends at home have had no
tidings, or they had washed the dark clots from our
wounds and laid us out with wailing ; for that is the
dead man's due."
376 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIV. 191-222.
Then answered the spirit of the son of Atreus :
" Fortunate son of Laertes, ready Odysseus ! You
won a wife full of all worth. How upright was the
heart of true Penelope, the daughter of Icarius !
How faithful to Odysseus, the husband of her youth !
Wherefore the story of her worth shall never die ;
but for all humankind immortal ones shall make a
gladsome song in praise of steadfast Penelope. Not
like the daughter of Tyndareus did she contrive vile
deeds and slay the husband of her youth. Of her a
loathsome song shall spread among mankind, and
bring an ill repute on all the sex of women, even on
well-doers too."
So they conversed together, where they stood within
the house of Hades, in the secret places of the earth.
But Odysseus and his men, after departing from
the town, soon reached the rich well-ordered farmstead
of Laertes. This place Laertes had acquired for him-
self in days gone by, after much patient toil. Here
was his house; round it on every side there ran a
shed, in which ate, sat, and slept the slaves who did his
pleasure. Within, there lived an old Sicilian woman,
who tended carefully the aged man here at his farm,
far from the town. Arriving here, Odysseus thus
addressed his servants and his son :
" Go you at once into the stately house and slay
forthwith for dinner the fattest of the swine. But
I will put my father to the proof, and try if he will
recognize and know me by the sight, or if he will fail
to know me who have been absent long."
So saying, he gave his armor to his men, who then
went quickly in, while Odysseus approached the fruit-
ful vineyard, to make his trial there. Dolius he did
not find, in crossing the long garden, nor any slaves
XXIV. 223-2o7.J THE ODYSSEY. 377
or men ; for they were gone to gather stones to make
a vineyard wall, and Dolius was their leader. His
father he found alone in the well-ordered vineyard,
hoeing about a plant. He wore a dirty tunic, patched
and coarse, and round his shins had bound sewed
leather leggings, a protection against scratches. Upon
his hands were gloves, to save him from the thorns,
and on his head a goatskin cap ; and so he nursed
his sorrow.
When long-tried royal Odysseus saw his father, worn
with old age and in great grief of heart, he stopped
beneath a lofty pear-tree and shed tears. Then in his
mind and heart he doubted much whether to kiss his
father, to clasp him in his arms and tell him all, how
he had come and found his native land ; or first to
question him and prove him through and through.
Reflecting thus, it seemed the better way to try him
first Avith probing words. With this intent, royal
Odysseus walked straight toward him. Laertes, with
his head bent low, was digging round the plant, and
standing by his side his gallant son addressed him :
"Old man, j^ou have no lack of skill in tending
gardens. Of these your care is good. Nothing is
here — shrub, fig-tree, vine, olive, or pear, or bed of
earth, — in all the field uncared for. But one thing I
will say ; be not offended. No proper care is taken
of yourself ; for you are meeting hard old age, yet you
are sadly worn and meanly clad. It is not as if for
idleness your master had cast you by, and nothing
of the slave shows in your face or form. Rather you
seem a royal person ; like one who after taking bath
and food might sleep at ease, as is the due of age.
Come, then, declare me this and plainly tell whose
v^slave you are, whose farm you tend. And tell me
378 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIV. 25S-291.
truly this, that I may know full well, if this is really
Ithaca to which we now are come, as the man said just
now who met me on my way. He was not overwise,
however ; for he did not deign to talk at length, nor
yet to hear my talk, when I inquired for my friend,
and asked if he were living still or if he were already
dead and in the house of Hades. But let me speak
of that to you, and do you mark and listen. In my
own country once I entertained a man who had come
thither ; and none among the traveling strangers was
more welcome at my house. He called himself by
birth a man of Ithaca, and said his father was Laer-
tes, son of Arceisius. I brought him home and enter-
tained him well and gave him generous welcome from
the abundance in my house. Such gifts I also gave
as are fitting for a guest: of fine -wrought gold I
gave him seven talents, gave him a flowered bowl of
solid silver, twelve cloaks of single fold, as many rugs,
as many goodly mantles, and as many tunics too.
Further, I ga\^e him women trained to faultless work,
any four shapely damsels whom he himself might
choose."
Then answered him his father, shedding tears :
" Certainly, stranger, you are in the land for which
you ask ; but lawless impious men possess it now.
Yain were the many gifts you gave. Yet had you
found him living in the land of Ithaca, with fair re-
turn of gifts he had sent you on your way, and with
a generous welcome ; for that is just, when one begins
a kindness. But come, declare me this, and plainly
tell: how many years are passed since you received
this guest, this hapless guest, my son, — if really it
was he, ill-fated man ! — whom, far from friends and
home, fishes devoured in the deep or else on land he
ΧΧΙΥ. 292-323.] THE ODYSSEY. 379
fell a prey to beasts and birds. No mother mourned
for bim and wrapped him in his shroud, nor father
either, — we who gave him life ! Nor did his richly=
dowered wife, steadfast Penelope, wail by her hus-
band's couch, as the wife should, and close his eyes,
though that is the dead man's due. Tell me, how-
ever, truly, and let me know full well : who are you ?
of what people ? Where is your town and kindred ?
Where is the swift ship moored which brought you
hither, you and your gallant comrades ? Or did you
come a passenger on some strange ship, from which
they landed you and sailed away ? "
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Well,
I will very plainly tell you all. I come from Alybas,
where I have a noble house, and am the son of lord
Apheidas, the son of Polypemon. My own name is
Eperitus. God drove me from Sicania and brought
me here, against my will. Here my ship lies, just oif
the fields outside the town. As for Odysseus, five
years ago he went away and left my land. Ill-fated
man ! And yet the birds were favorable at starting
and came on his right hand. So I rejoiced and
sent him forth, and he rejoicing went his way. Our
hearts then hoped to meet again in friendship, and to
give each other glorious gifts."
So he spoke, and on Laertes fell a dark cloud of
grief. He caught in his hands the powdery dust and
strewed it on his hoary head with many groans.
Odysseus' heart was stirred. Up through his nostrils
shot a tingling pang as he beheld his father. For-
ward he sprang and clasped and kissed him, saying :
" Lo, father, I am he for whom you seek, now in the
twentieth year come to my native land ! Then cease
this grief and tearful sighing ; for let me tell you, —
380 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIV. 324-355.
and the need of haste is great, — I slew the suitors
in our halls, and so avenged their galling insolence
and wicked deeds."
Then in his turn Laertes answered : " If you are
indeed my son, Odysseus, now returned, tell me some
trusty sign that so I may believe."
But wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Ex-
amine first this scar, which a boar inflicted with his
gleaming tusk upon Parnassus, whither I had gone.
You and my honored mother sent me thither, to see
Autolycus, my mother's father, and to obtain the
gifts which he, when here, agreed to give. Then come,
and let me tell the trees in the well-ordered vine-
yard, which you once gave, when I, being still a child,
begged you for this and that, as I followed about the
garden. Among these trees we passed. You named
them and described them. You gave me thirteen
pear-trees, ten apples, forty figs. And here you
marked off fifty rows of vines to give, each one in
bearing order. Along the rows clusters of all sorts
hang, whenever the seasons sent by Zeus give them
their fullness."
As he spoke thus, Laertes' knees grew feeble and
his very soul, when he recognized the tokens which
Odysseus exactly told. Round his dear son he threw
his arms, and long-tried royal Odysseus drew him
fainting toward him. But when he gained his breath,
and in his breast the spirit rallied, finding his words
once more Laertes said :
" Ο father Zeus, surely you gods still live on high
Olympus, if the suitors have indeed paid for their
wanton sin ! And yet I have great fear at heart that
all the men of Ithaca may soon attack us here and
may send tidings through the Cephallenian cities."
XXIV. 35G-388.] THE ODYSSEY. 381
But wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Be of
good courage ! Let not these things vex your mind !
But let us hasten to the house which stands beside
the orchard. Thither I sent Telemachus, the neat-
herd and the swineherd, that there they straightway
might prepare our meal."
So talked the two, and walked to the fair house.
And when they reached the stately buildings, they
found Telemachus, the neatherd and the swineherd,
carving much meat and mixing sparkling wine. Soon
in his room the Sicilian servant bathed brave Laertes
and anointed him with oil and round him wrapped a
goodly cloak. And Athene, drawing nigh, filled out
the limbs of the shepherd of the people, and made
him taller than before and larger to behold. Out of
the bath he came, and his son wondered to see how
like the immortal gods his bearing was ; and speaking
in winged words he said :
" Certainly, father, one of the everlasting gods has
made your face and figure nobler to behold."
Then in his turn said wise Laertes : " Ο father
Zeus, Athene, and Apollo, would I were what I was
when I took Nericus, the stately citadel on the main
shore, leading my Cephallenians ; and would that thus
I yesterday had stood beside you in our hall, my
armor on my shoulders, beating back the suitors!
Then had I shook the knees of many in the hall, and
you had felt your inmost heart grow warm ! "
So they conversed together. Meanwhile the others,
after ceasing from their labor of laying out the meal,
took seats in order on couches and on chairs. They
all were laying hands upon their food, when in came
aged Dolius and his sons, tired from their work. Their
mother, the old Sicilian woman, had gone and called
382 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIV. 389-419.
them ; for she provided for them, and diligently
tended the old man now that old age was on him.
When the men saw Odysseus and marked him in their
minds, they stood still in the haU, astonished; but
Odysseus kindly accosting them, spoke thus :
" Old man, sit down to dinner and lay aside sur-
prise ; for eager as we were to take our food, we
waited long about the hall, ever expecting you."
He spoke, and Dolius ran, both hands outstretched,
and seizing Odysseus' hand kissed it upon the wrist,
and speaking in winged words he said :
" Dear master, because you have come home to us
who sorely missed you and never thought to see you
any more, — but gods themselves have brought you,
— hail and rejoice ! Gods grant you blessings ! And
tell me truly this, that I may know it well: does
heedful Penelope understand that you are here, or
shall we send her tidings ? "
Then wise Odysseus answered him and said : " Old
man, she understands already. Why should you
think of that ? "
So he spoke, and Dolius took his seat upon a pol-
ished bench. Likewise the sons of Dolius, gathering
round renowned Odysseus, greeted him with their
words and clasped his hands, and then sat down in
order by Dolius, their father. Thus were they busied
with their dinner in the hall.
Eumor, meanwhile, with tidings, ran swiftly through
the town, reporting the suitors' awful death and doom ;
and those who heard gathered from every side, with
moans and groans, before the palace of Odysseus.
Out of the house they each brought forth his dead,
and buried them ; and all that came from other towns
they gave to fishermen to carry home on their swift
XXIV. 420-449.] THE ODYSSEY. 383
ships. Then they went trooping to the assembly, sad
at heart. And when they were assembled and all had
come together, Eupeithes rose and thus addressed
them : for he cherished in his heart a sorrow for his
son that could not be appeased, — his son Antinoiis,
the first whom royal Odysseus slew. With tears for
him, he thus addressed them, saying :
" Ο friends, this man has wrought a monstrous
deed on the Achaeans ! For some he carried off in
ships, — good men and many, — and then he lost his
hollow ships and lost his people too ; and now he
has come home and killed the very noblest men of
Cephallenia. Up then ! Let us set forth, before he
swiftly goes to Pylos, and sacred Elis where the Epei-
ans rule, or we shall be disgraced hencefortli forever ;
for it will be a shame for future times to know, if we
take no revenge on those who slew our sons and bro-
thers. Life to my thinking then would be no longer
sweet. Nay, I would die at once and join the men
now slain. But forth, ere they escape from us across
the sea ! "
Tears in his eyes, he spoke ; pity touched all the
Achaeans. But Medon now drew near, and with him
the sacred bard, from the palace of Odysseus ; for
slumber left them. They stood still in the midst, and
wonder fell on all, while Medon, a man of understand-
ing, thus addressed them :
" Hearken to me now, men of Ithaca ; for not
without consent of the immortal gods Odysseus
planned these deeds. I myself saw a deathless god
stand by Odysseus, in all points like to Mentor. And
this immortal god appeared before Odysseus, cheering
him on ; then to the consternation of the suitors he
stormed along the hall, and side by side they fell."
384 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIV. 450-482.
As he spoke thus, pale fear took hold on all. Bat
to them spoke the old lord Halitherses, the son of
Mastor ; for he alone looked both before and after.
He with good will addressed them thus, and said :
" Hearken now, men of Ithaca, to what I say. By
your own fault, my friends, these deeds are done ; be-
cause you paid no heed to me nor yet to Mentor, the
shepherd of the people, in hindering your sons from
foolish crime. They wrought a monstrous deed in
wanton willfulness, when they destroyed the goods and
wronged the wife of one who was their prince, saying
that he would come no more. Let then the past be
ended, and listen to what I say : do not set forth, or
some may find a self -sought ill."
He spoke ; but with a mighty cry up started more
than half, — together in their seats remained the rest,
— for his counsel had not pleased them. Eupeithes
they approved, and they straightway ran for weapons.
Then when they had arrayed themselves in glittering
bronze, they gathered in a troop outside the spacious
town. Eupeithes in his folly led them. He thought
to avenge the murder of his son, yet was himself never
to come back more, but there would meet his doom.
Meanwhile Athene said to Zeus, the son of Kronos :
" Our father, son of Kronos, most high above all
rulers, speak what I ask : what is your secret pur-
pose ? Will you still further stir up evil strife and
the dread din of war, or do you stablish peace betwixt
the two?"
Then answered her cloud-gathering Zeus and said :
" My child, why question me of this ? For was it not
yourself proposed the plan to have Odysseus crush
these men by his return? Do as you will; I tell
you what is wise. Now royal Odysseus has avenged
XXIV. 483-512.] THE ODYSSEY. ' 385
liimseK upon the suitors, let a sure league be made
and he be always king ; while for the death of sons
and brothers we bring about oblivion. So shall all
love each other as before, and wealth and peace
abound."
With words like these he roused Athene, eager
enough before, and she went dashing down the ridges
of Olympus.
Now when the men had stayed desire for cheering
food, then thus began long-tried royal Odysseus : '" Let
some one go and see if our foes are drawing near."
He spoke ; and out the son of Dolius ran, as he was
bidden, and went and stood upon the threshold, and
saw the men all near. Then straight to Odysseus in
winged words he called : " Here they are, close at
hand ! Quick, let us arm ! "
As soon as he spoke, there sprang to arms the
four men with Odysseus and the six sons of Dolius.
Laertes too and Dolius put on armor ; gray though
they were, still warriors at need. Then when they
had arrayed themselves in glittering bronze, they
opened the doors and sallied forth, Odysseus leading.
But Athene now drew near, the daughter of Zeus,
likened to Mentor in her form and voice ; whom long-
tried royal Odysseus saw with joy, and to Telema-
chus his son he straightway said : '' Now shall you
learn, Telemachus, by taking part yourself while men
are battling where the best are proved, how not to
bring disgrace upon your line of sires ; for they from
ancient times were famed for strength and bravery
through all the land."
Then answered him discreet Telemachus : " In this
my present mood, dear father, you shall see me, if you
will, bring no disgrace upon the line of which you
speak."
386 THE ODYSSEY. [XXIV. 513-544.
So said he, and Laertes too was glad and said :
" Oh, what a day for me is this, kind gods ! Right
glad am I. My son and son's son vie in valor."
And standing by his side, clear-eyed Athene said :
" Son of Arceisius, far the dearest of my friends, call
on the clear-eyed maid and father Zeus ; then swing
your long spear and straight let it fly."
AYith words like these Pallas Athene inspired him
with great power. He prayed to the daughter of
mighty Zeus ; then swung his long spear and straight
let it fly, and struck Eupeithes on the helmet's brazen
cheek. This did not stay the spear ; the point passed
through. He fell with a thud ; his armor rattled
round him. On the front ranks Odysseus fell, he and
his gallant son, and smote them with their swords and
double-pointed spears. And now they certainly had
slain them all and cut them off from coming home,
had not Athene, daughter of aegis - bearing Zeus,
shouted aloud and held back all the host :
" Hol(?, men of Ithaca, from cruel combat, and
without bloodshed straightway part ! "
As thus Athene spoke, pale fear took hold on all.
Their weapons all flew from their trembling hands
and fell upon the ground, as the goddess gave her cry.
To the town they turned, eager to save their lives.
Fearfully shouted long - tried royal Odysseus, and
gathering his might swooped like a soaring eagle.
Then too the son of Kronos cast his blazing bolt, and
down it fell by the dread father's clear-eyed child.
And now to Odysseus said clear-eyed Athene :
" High-born son of Laertes, ready Odysseus, stay !
Cease from the struggle of uncertain war ! Let not
the son of Kronos, far-seeing Zeus, be moved to
anger ! "
XXIV. 545-548.] THE ODYSSEY. 387
So spoke Athene. Odysseus heeded, and was glad
at heart. Then for all coming time betwixt the two
a peace was made by Pallas Athene, daughter of aegis-
bearing Zeus, likened to Mentor in her form and
voice.
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